SECTOR 4

“...it is difficult to
find a journalist
who has worked for
four years without
undergoing some
kind of training.”

However, there are serious problems with the quality of
journalism practiced in the country, which is believed to be
declining as a result of the high enrolment of students, the
lack of teaching material and the doubtful capacity of some
private institutions, which offer formal training. Because
of over population, even highly qualified trainers have a
hard time turning in good results. Funding for journalism
programmes is also inadequate and this has a negative
impact on the quality of training. In many institutions,
both the curricula and training equipment are considered
archaic.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score:

3.3 (2008 = 3.5)

4.10 Journalists and other media practitioners
are organised in trade unions and/or professional
associations.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is the umbrella organisation defending
the interests of journalists, and is in the process of being transformed from a purely
trade union movement into a professional association. The NUJ has been active in
promoting the welfare of journalists and currently runs an insurance scheme for
members.
There are numerous other organisations such as the Newspapers Owners
Association, The Editors’ Guild, the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union,
the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Newspaper
Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). Reporters covering certain beats
such as sports, business and politics or institutions like the Federal and State
governments have also organised themselves into associations.

54

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2011

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