My Newsroom to Classroom Story – Lessons and Opportunities

By Oluyinka Fadare

A journalism teacher, Prof. Oloruntola Sunday, has advised practicing journalists against prioritizing financial inducements in the discharge of their duties.

Sunday, a Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, gave the advice in Lagos on Sunday during the August meeting of Journalists For Christ, a faith-based professional association.

He spoke on the topic, ``My Newsroom to Classroom Story – Lessons and Opportunities.’’

He urged both aspiring and practicing journalists to be focused and hardworking, instead of running after money in discharging their duties.

``If you are in journalism because of immediate need, you may be frustrated. Do your job, don’t go after money.

``Do your best at what you are doing, someone somewhere is noticing you,’’ he said.

Sunday, who was a news reporter for 12 years before going into academics, urged journalists to have a vision for their lives and not to take their eyes away from the future.

The don noted that there were wide areas to be explored for the aspiring journalist in the profession.

He stressed that there were also immense possibilities in the profession now than ever before as long as the practitioner remained focused.

``At every point in life, challenges will come, don’t allow your challenges to affect your view of life.

``If you see someone who you feel will help you to grow, walk with them.

``Be choosy and deliberate about your associations. Don’t be particular about money, not every favour is gotten through money.

``If you are in a place and you see that your interest tallies with those of another person, please stay with such a person," he said.

Sunday urged hopeful graduates still in the job market to keep themselves busy, saying that he had at various times in life been in their shoes.

``Whenever a newspaper I worked with closes shop, I keep myself busy writing stories and features," he said.

He also encouraged journalists to put in their best wherever they find themselves.

``Do your little effort but don’t forget the God-factor.

``Apart from working hard, I was always praying that my promotion will not be delayed,’’ he said.

He thanked God for being instrumental in his promotion, adding that having a supportive family had also been an advantage for him. 

(NAN)