UCJ’s 30th anniversary:
Adisa tasks journalists on truth, integrity
By Isaac Lewu
A Professor at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Rasaq Muhammed Adisa, has charged students and young journalists to always uphold truth, fairness, accuracy and public interest.
Prof. Adisa gave the charge last Tuesday (July 28, 2026) while delivering the 30th Anniversary Lecture of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Ilorin Chapter.
The don stressed that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) may transform news production, it can never replace empathy, critical thinking and the relentless search for truth.
Prof. Adisa described campus journalism as a training ground for competence, integrity and professional excellence, noting that UCJ remains an incubator that moulds undergraduates into responsible intellectuals capable of holding leaders accountable. He also urged the Union to strengthen collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication in order to provide students with practical newsroom experience before graduation.
Speaking on the future of journalism, Prof. Adisa observed that technology has changed news consumption but maintained that AI cannot cover court proceedings, interpret non-verbal communication, build trust with vulnerable communities or undertake investigative journalism.
He, therefore, encouraged young journalists to embrace solution journalism, fact-checking, media literacy and original reporting.
In her welcome address, the President of UCJ, Miss Waleeyah Ayomide Ambali, described the anniversary as a celebration of growth, impact and enduring legacy. She urged members to uphold truth, courage and service, while appreciating alumni, partners, sponsors and members whose support has sustained the Union over the past three decades.
In his remarks, the Chairman of UNILORIN Bulletin Editorial Board, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, recalled that UCJ was established in 1996 to nurture responsible campus journalism.
He urged members to remain committed to excellence, discipline and professionalism, adding that students must continually improve themselves as the world moves from artificial intelligence to synthetic intelligence, where competence outweighs mediocrity.
Prof. Adedimeji encouraged UCJ members to build a strong digital presence, write their way to success and think beyond the classroom, noting that journalism opens opportunities in the newsroom, classroom and boardroom. He commended the organisers on sustaining the Union’s legacy over the past three decades.
Also in his remarks, the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, who was represented by the General Manager of UNILORIN FM 89.3, Mr Idris Akintola Ibrahim (Alooma), described the anniversary as a celebration of excellence in grooming future media professionals.
He commended UCJ for producing outstanding journalists and assured the Union of the continued support of the University management for campus journalism.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Informant247, Mr. Salihu Shola Taofeek, urged members to remain committed to ethical journalism by embracing innovation, developing digital storytelling skills and verifying information before publication.
The Guest of Honour on the occasion, Chief Raheem Adedoyin, the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, who was represented by the General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, Mr Yomi Adeboye, called for stronger collaboration between the town and the gown, stressing that digital and print journalism should complement each other.
The anniversary featured the launch of the Union’s annual magazine and the conferment of honours on distinguished individuals and organisations, including UNILORIN FM 89.3, for their contributions to campus journalism.
The event brought together academics, media professionals, students and other stakeholders, including the South-West Zonal Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Dr Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), University of Ilorin Chapel, Comrade Tijani Adewoyin.
