Naija Metro News Trains 28 Ibadan Poly Students in Free Digital Journalism Internship

An Ibadan-based online newspaper, Naija Metro News, has concluded its maiden free Digital Journalism Internship Programme for students of the Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, with 28 students trained in modern journalism and digital media practice.

The 10-week internship programme was organised as part of the media organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at equipping students with practical newsroom and digital communication skills.

Participants were trained 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 emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Department of Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan in 2022.

Speaking during the certificate presentation and closing ceremony held at the fifth edition of the ASCOM Oratorical Contest, Ayanboade described the internship programme as part of his commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped his academic and leadership journey.

According to him, the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical newsroom experience while exposing students to the realities of 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 added that the internship programme was fully funded by Naija Metro News to eliminate financial barriers and ensure wider participation among interested students.

Coincidentally, the certificate presentation took place during the fifth edition of the ASCOM Oratorical Contest, a platform established by Ayanboade during his tenure as President of the Association of Students of Mass Communication (ASCOM) in the 2021/2022 academic session.

Speaking earlier at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akeem Abas, commended the initiative and pledged support for programmes aimed at journalism development and media training for students.

Also speaking, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Olusoji Olatunji, represented by Mr. Olawale Olagoke, encouraged students to continue embracing opportunities capable of enhancing their professional growth and career development.

He praised the convener for maintaining strong ties with the institution after graduation and for creating meaningful opportunities for students of the department.

According to him, Ayanboade’s contributions and achievements reflect the quality and potential of graduates produced by the department.

The participants of the maiden internship programme included 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 and 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 focused on credible, timely and people-centered reporting across Nigeria, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, digital storytelling and community-driven journalism initiatives.