NUJ Plans Media Summit
Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Head of Service, Barr. Mrs. Biobelemoye Onyema-Charles, has explained why the state government does not recognize certificates from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), an affiliate of the University of Maiduguri, for career advancement and promotion in the civil service.
She made this known during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council.
According to her, while the state government values the training and retraining of civil servants to enhance productivity and efficiency, the non-recognition of IIJ certificates is a matter of policy.
> “Regarding the non-recognition of IIJ certificates, which is affiliated with the University of Maiduguri, the state only accepts and recognizes certificates from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos. The University of Maiduguri’s program is a long-distance learning course that exceeds a certain kilometer range set by policy. That is why we do not recognize IIJ certificates—they fall outside the designated catchment area for distance learning.”
She further emphasized,Bayelsans are aware that the policy is clear—IIJ certificates are not recognized.”
Despite this, she assured the NUJ of her support in training and retraining journalists, stating that having well-trained and qualified journalists would promote balanced reportage in the state.“Your reportage can have either positive or negative effects on the state.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, sought the assistance of the Head of Service in training and retraining journalists, securing accommodation for its members, and supporting an upcoming media summit to be organized by the state council.
He revealed that upon assuming office, the NUJ conducted a membership audit to verify the certification status of practicing journalists in the state. The audit revealed that less than 30% of journalists were properly certified, a situation he described as unhealthy for the profession.
“When we took office, we carried out a membership audit to assess the certification of practicing journalists in the state. The report showed that less than 30% were certified, which is not acceptable. However, this exercise was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but to improve standards.”
