NIJ HND1 Students Win Cash For Multimedia Assignment
Higher National Diploma 1 Journalism students at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, have been rewarded with ₦300,000 in cash prizes and certificates for an outstanding multimedia writing task.
The assignment focused on the life and career of Mrs. Jennifer Okaima Piette, a notable alumna of the institute. It was supervised by veteran journalist and multimedia lecturer, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, who has over 35 years’ experience in the media industry.
Students were tasked with creating compelling digital content about Mrs. Piette using details from her social media pages as part of a practical journalism exercise.
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A total of ₦300,000, sponsored by Mrs. Piette, was shared among the groups. Group B, represented by Alabi Emmanuel, clinched the top prize and received half of the money. Group C, led by Akogun Esther, emerged first runner-up, while Group A, represented by Olakanye Iyanuoluwa Omobolanle, took second runner-up. Group D, represented by Akinola Israel, also got a consolation prize.
Beyond the cash awards, Mrs. Piette also offered interested students e-mentoring opportunities to help them build relevant skills and stand out in a competitive media space.
Speaking on the project, Mr. Otufodunrin said it was designed to give students hands-on experience in multimedia storytelling while drawing inspiration from a successful former student.
“I like to teach students with practical examples. Jennifer graduated from this school and has gone on to achieve remarkable success in the United States.The assignment was created to help students relate classroom learning to real-life opportunities while developing their content creation and journalism skills,” he said.
He urged aspiring journalists to keep sharpening their craft, adding that the industry rewards consistency and versatility.
“People want to see what you can do. Whatever skill you have writing, graphics, video production or editing keep practising and learning from those who have excelled in the profession,” he advised.
Also speaking, the Head of Department, Mass Communication, Mr. Olufemi Osuntoki, told students that everyone has capacity and that self-doubt is the only real barrier.
“I want you to understand that you have something in you. My father in heaven has never created anybody empty unless you allow inferiority complex,” he said.
“This should tell you something: this profession that you have chosen, if you are committed in it and you believe in yourself and you are also friendly in your studies and also encourage yourself in reading books, in being current every blessed day, you are going to soar higher,” he added.
BY ABDULBAQI JIBREEL AJAO
