Naija Metro News has successfully concluded its maiden free Digital Journalism Internship Programme for students of the Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, with 28 participants trained in modern journalism and digital media practice over a period of 10 weeks.
The internship programme, organized by the Ibadan-based online newspaper as part of the organization’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, provided practical and theoretical training in News Reporting and Writing, Digital Journalism, Social Media and Content Creation, Research and Fact-Checking, Artificial Intelligence in Journalism, and News Website Management.
The initiative was convened by the Managing Editor of Naija Metro News, Kehinde Ayanboade, who graduated as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 2022.
Speaking during the certificate presentation and closing ceremony held at the 5th Edition of the ASCOM Oratorical Contest, Ayanboade described the programme as a personal commitment to giving back to the institution that contributed to his academic and leadership journey.
According to him, the internship was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical newsroom experience while exposing students to the realities of modern digital journalism.
“This initiative is not just about training students. It is about helping young media enthusiasts develop practical skills, newsroom discipline, digital communication experience, and the confidence needed in today’s media space,” he said.
Ayanboade further explained that the programme was fully funded by Naija Metro News to ensure that interested students could access the opportunity without financial barriers.
Coincidentally, the presentation of certificates took place during the 5th edition of the ASCOM Oratorical Contest, a platform established by Ayanboade during his administration as President of the Association of Students of Mass Communication (ASCOM) in the 2021/2022 academic session.
Speaking eatlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, commended the initiative and pledged continued support for programmes focused on journalism development and media training for students.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Olusoji Olatunji, represented by Mr. Olawale Olagoke, encouraged students to continue taking advantage of opportunities capable of improving their professional growth and career development.
He appreciated the convener of the internship for remaining connected to the institution after graduation and for creating meaningful opportunities for students of the department.
According to him, Ayanboade’s achievements and contributions reflect the quality and potential of graduates produced by the department.
Participants of the maiden Naija Metro News Digital Journalism Internship Programme include Sikirullahi Jelilat Adesewa, Kareem Malik Eniola, Falodun Oluwabunmi Justina, Adekunle John Oluwaseyi, Stephen Oluwafemi, Abioye Racheal Ifeoluwa, Salami Afeez Olanrewaju, Adeyemi Funke Oluwakemi, Alade Priscilla, Akindele Oluwasegun O., Ayoola Praise Dolapo, Adeniyi Quadri Ayinde, Oladiti Samuel Oluwapelumi.
Others are Olumide Joy Hephzibah, Adegbenro Faruq, Akingbade Balikis Yetunde, Ojo Precious, Adesina Oluwaseun Akanni, Mossi Gloria Dumebi, Oweka Emmanuel Chidi, Shittu Abibat Omolasho, Dagunduro Anuoluwapo A., Anofiu Mutiat Ayinke, Oladejo Aminat Olabisi, Oyekola Esther Oyeronke, Esakome Mariam Oreoluwa, Sunday Aliyah Precious, Agbelekale Rofiat Ayomide, and Yusuf Mariam Oziohu.
Naija Metro News is a digital media platform committed to delivering credible, timely, and people-centered stories across Nigeria. With the tagline, “No. 1 Metropolitan News Website in Nigeria,” the platform focuses on quality journalism, digital storytelling, youth engagement, and community-driven media initiatives.
