The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has inaugurated press clubs in two secondary schools within the FCT, in a bid to mentor and groom the next generation of journalists.
The schools selected for this pioneering initiative are Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA), Apo, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki. The launch forms part of activities lined up for the NUJ FCT Council’s 2025 Press Week and is designed to stimulate students’ interest in journalism and media-related careers.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, said the Council is committed to catching future journalists young and nurturing their talents early.
“Mentorship remains one of our top priorities. Our goal is to foster a culture of responsible journalism by igniting young minds through healthy competition, media education, and the development of writing and broadcasting skills,” she said.
Ms Ike emphasised that the initiative would also sensitise students to the principles of press freedom and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the fast-evolving digital media landscape—particularly in an era marked by disinformation and fake news.
She further explained that this pilot scheme, involving one public and one private school, would soon expand to other secondary schools across the FCT. “We encourage our colleagues in the NUJ to support this noble cause. Together, we can shape a future where journalism is ethical, reliable, and impactful,” she added.
Also speaking, the NUJ FCT Council’s Vice Chairman and Coordinator of the Press Club Project, Mr Yahaya Ndambabo, stated that the initiative is not merely about forming clubs but about planting the seeds of civic responsibility, media literacy, and leadership in young people.
He noted that many of Nigeria’s finest journalists and communicators were products of school press clubs. “By empowering students with journalistic tools, we equip them to actively contribute to national development and become informed citizens,” Ndambabo said.
According to him, the clubs will help foster critical thinking, collaboration, public speaking, and storytelling—key attributes aligned with the values of truth, balance, fairness, and accountability that define ethical journalism.
He disclosed that the Council plans to organise regular training sessions for both students and teachers, as well as inter-school competitions aimed at nurturing creativity and rewarding excellence in reporting and writing.
“Journalism is not just about writing stories. It is about curiosity, integrity, and the ability to inform and educate the public,” Ndambabo advised the students.
The highlight of the inauguration was the debut of student-led news presentations focused on the NUJ’s 2025 Press Week activities.
The Principal of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Mr Harry Essang, expressed appreciation to the NUJ for selecting his school, noting the students’ excitement and renewed motivation.
The Club Patron, Mr Kayode Mayowa, observed that the students had already begun to display increased confidence in public speaking and writing.
Miss Asimawu Maitama, a Press Club member from BBA, said her participation had rekindled her interest in journalism. “Reading the news today boosted my confidence. I now see myself pursuing journalism as a career,” she said.
Her colleague, Mr Joshua Itajuwa, described the experience as transformative. “This platform has helped me overcome stage fright and improve my writing and communication skills,” he said.
President of the GSS Garki Press Club, Miss Sule Favour, hailed the club’s formation as a turning point. “This is a huge opportunity for us, and we are ready to make the most of it,” she stated.
The Principal of GSS Garki, Mr Sadeeq Ochiji, commended the NUJ for its foresight and lauded the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for the school’s recent renovation, which he said provided an enabling environment for the programme.
This initiative is in alignment with the core mission and vision of the Voice of Nigeria (VON)—to inform, educate, and uplift the next generation through accurate, ethical, and development-driven journalism that contributes meaningfully to national discourse and progress.