Scholarship Program to Support 20 Journalists Pursuing Post Graduate Diplomat in Journalism at IIJ Abuja
In a move to promote professional development among journalists, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has officially launched the 2024/2025 Scholarship Program for members seeking a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ) at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in Abuja.
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The announcement was made by the Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, who shared the details of the initiative in a statement on Tuesday.
The scholarship, which aims to support the career growth of journalists in the FCT, is part of the ongoing efforts by the newly elected executive, led by Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike, to invest in capacity building and professional advancement.
Eligibility Criteria and Support Structure
To qualify for the scholarship, journalists must meet several key criteria, including being in good financial standing with the union for the last two years and possessing valid NUJ Identity Cards for 2023 and 2024. Additionally, applicants must have been actively participating in NUJ congresses and union activities.
The program will cover 50% of the tuition fees for selected journalists, with the remaining 50% to be borne by the candidates themselves.
The scholarship is designed to support 20 journalists across various chapels under the Council, providing an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills and qualifications.
A Promise Kept: Focus on Capacity Building
Comrade Grace Ike, who recently assumed leadership of the NUJ FCT Council, expressed her pride in fulfilling one of her key campaign promises: prioritizing the professional development of union members.
“When we promised to invest in the professional growth of our members, we meant every word,” Comrade Ike said. “
This scholarship is a testament to our commitment to making the NUJ FCT Council a hub for excellence and career advancement.” She further expressed optimism for the future, noting that the year 2025 holds even more promising opportunities for members of the Council.
“This scholarship program reflects our unwavering focus on capacity building and ensuring our members remain competitive in today’s dynamic media industry,” she added.
Empowering Journalists for Career Growth
The scholarship initiative is expected to encourage greater participation in union activities, while also equipping journalists with the advanced skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving media landscape. Comrade Ike emphasized that the program is part of the broader vision to elevate the profession and provide members with the necessary tools to thrive in their careers.
“Our mission is not only to serve but to elevate the profession and provide the tools for our members to thrive,” she stated. “Together, we are redefining what it means to be part of the NUJ FCT Council.”
Nomination Process and Next Steps
Chapel Chairmen have been instructed to nominate eligible candidates for the scholarship, with those meeting the conditions to be enrolled in the 2024/2025 academic session at the IIJ.
This initiative represents a major milestone in the NUJ FCT Council’s ongoing efforts to empower its members and foster a culture of professional growth within the media sector.
Journalists are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance their qualifications and contribute to the continued development of the Nigerian media landscape.
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