The Acting Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Calabar, Dr. Kwita Dan-Obo, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Cross River State to provide practical training for students of the newly unbundled department. Dr. Dan-Obo made the appeal on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
Addressing journalists and council members present, Dr. Dan-Obo said the visit was the department’s first official outreach since its creation and was aimed at establishing a working relationship with the professional body. She noted that the department cannot exist in isolation and must partner with practitioners who possess field experience to complement the theoretical instruction given in classrooms. The Acting Head stressed that both lecturers and students would seek to identify with the NUJ because journalists must belong to a recognised professional body.
According to Dr. Dan-Obo, the department intends to train students on news writing, reporting and field practice, but such training would be incomplete without exposure to real newsroom operations. She explained that the visit was for familiarisation and to initiate partnership that would allow students undertake internships and field attachments with practising journalists. She added that the collaboration would also raise public awareness about the new department and attract more students as it works to build capacity and relevance.
In her response, Comrade Archibong Bassey welcomed Dr. Dan-Obo and her team, including veteran journalist Dr. Judex Okoro. The NUJ Chairman described the synergy between the union and the university as longstanding, recalling previous cooperation with the former Department of Mass Communication. She affirmed that the council would continue the relationship and support efforts to expose students to the practical aspects of journalism through internships and field assignments with union members.
On the issue of registering students as NUJ members, Comrade Bassey clarified that the union operates with standards set by its national body. She noted that membership is typically for practising journalists attached to chapels, but promised to consult the NUJ national secretariat for proper guidance on the request. She assured the department of the council’s open doors and willingness to assist whenever called upon, adding that early collaboration would ensure students graduate with both theoretical grounding and practical competence.
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