By Sharon Akuboh
The Daily Trust Foundation (DTF) has launched a journalism academy to equip media professionals with digital skills, strengthen ethical reporting and combat misinformation amid growing concerns over declining public trust in the media.
Chairman of the Foundation, Malam Bilya Bala, unveiled the initiative on Tuesday, describing it as a strategic intervention to bridge critical skills gaps in Nigeria’s media industry through accessible, structured and continuous professional training.
Bala said the academy was informed by lessons from the Foundation’s implementation of multi-year grants supported by the MacArthur Foundation, which exposed gaps in investigative journalism, specialised reporting, newsroom collaboration and digital competence.
He noted that the rapid spread of misinformation and declining confidence in media institutions had made continuous professional development essential for journalists seeking to remain credible, relevant and accountable.
According to him, the Foundation’s previous capacity-building programmes had reached more than 2,000 participants from media organisations and civil society groups, covering investigative journalism, education, energy, banking, agriculture, natural resources, crime and security, oil and gas, national budgeting and media management.
He explained that the new academy would consolidate these achievements while widening access to professional development through physical and online learning opportunities.
A major component of the initiative is the DTF Digital Academy, an online learning platform available at dtfacademy.com.ng. The platform allows participants to learn at their own pace, complete assessments and earn certificates upon successful completion of courses.
The Foundation will also organise specialised workshops, webinars, conferences and public forums, while expanding partnerships with academic institutions, media organisations and development partners.
Olorunyomi, Mojeed Stress Continuous Training
Publisher of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the sweeping changes reshaping journalism in the digital age.
Olorunyomi argued that formal education alone could not adequately prepare journalists for the demands of modern newsrooms, stressing the importance of continuous training, practical experience and professional development.
He pledged Premium Times’ continued partnership with the Foundation, expressing confidence that the academy would strengthen professional standards and broaden learning opportunities for media practitioners.
In his keynote address, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikiliu Mojeed, challenged journalists to update their knowledge continually, verify information rigorously and uphold ethical standards, warning that the pursuit of investigative scoops must never override the obligation to establish facts.
He cautioned that the desire to expose wrongdoing should not become a justification for publishing unverified allegations or abandoning the standards of proof required for responsible journalism.
Mojeed also called on media organisations to make learning a permanent feature of newsroom operations through mentorship, knowledge-sharing sessions and constructive feedback.
He urged media owners to provide journalists with adequate resources and sufficient time to investigate stories properly, noting that quality journalism requires both professional competence and an enabling newsroom environment.
MacArthur Foundation, NUJ Back Initiative
Representing the MacArthur Foundation, Janet Gbam congratulated the Daily Trust Foundation on the launch, describing the academy as an opportunity to sustain professional journalism development beyond grant-funded programmes.
She emphasised the importance of credible information in building public trust and strengthening good governance.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, represented by Comrade Rosemary, also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a necessary intervention at a time when fake news and concerns about professional standards continue to challenge the media industry.
She commended the Foundation for developing what she described as a tailored and accessible training programme, urging journalists to seize the opportunity to sharpen their skills and improve their professional practice.
The NUJ representative pledged the union’s partnership with the Foundation in advancing ethical and professional journalism.
NAWOJ Pledges Support
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, represented by Princess Joy Idam, also pledged the association’s support for the academy.
Idam said NAWOJ would publicise the initiative and encourage members to enrol, particularly while the training remained free.
She noted that the programme offered journalists an opportunity to improve their professional capacity and respond more effectively to the changing demands of the industry.
The Programme Director of the Daily Trust Foundation, Dr Theophilus Abbah, called on media owners and platform managers to encourage their reporters to register for the training.
Abbah said the academy was designed to help journalists produce accurate, credible and valuable reports that serve the public interest and reinforce confidence in the media.
With its combination of digital learning, specialised training and industry partnerships, the DTF Journalism Academy is positioned to expand access to professional development and strengthen the capacity of journalists to navigate the challenges of misinformation, technological change and declining public trust.