By: 'Biodun Ogundiran.
In every profession, the thin line between expertise and quackery is drawn by standards—standards that define not only who belongs but also what qualifies a person to bear the title of a professional. Medicine has its regulatory councils. Law has its bar. Engineering and architecture are not exempt. Journalism, too, is a profession—complete with standards, codes of conduct, and professional bodies that regulate entry and practice.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the sanctity of journalism is increasingly under threat as the space becomes cluttered with individuals whose only claim to the title “journalist” is visibility. This has created a confusing climate where content creators, bloggers, public commentators, and even social media influencers are casually labelled “journalists”.
The situation in Nigeria today, especially with the explosion of digital media, highlights this challenge even more acutely. The Nigerian Union of Journalists' definition provides a necessary framework in a landscape where the lines have become increasingly blurred.
According to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, for any person to be recognized as a journalist in Nigeria, one must hold a degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Journalism, Mass Communication, or a related discipline from a recognized institution. In addition, the individual must have at least one year of working experience in a registered media organization. Alternatively, persons with postgraduate qualifications in journalism or those who have consistently practiced journalism under recognized platforms for a set number of years can also be inducted—emphasis on recognized institutions and verifiable practice.
Dele Momodu is undeniably a media personality and a respected publisher. His work, through Ovation International, has gained continental and global recognition. However, prestige or media involvement alone does not equate to being a journalist. The question we must ask is simple: Does Dele Momodu meet the professional threshold as defined by the NUJ?
Let's first of all take a look at my own personal career. I worked in the bank for almost twenty years but was never a banker. I was a Human Resource Management practitioner and I practiced my profession in the Banking environment and many other sectors for many years. I belong to my own professional body and got professionally certificated not minding the sector where I ply my trade. Or does working at the Records Office of a Hospital qualifies one to be called a Medical Practitioner? -time spent in an environment doesn't automatically confer professional status on anybody.
Now, premised upon the earlier stated definition of a 'journalist' according to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Let's delve into articulating a defense for the statement made by Mr. Lere Olayinka the other day on Arise Television, that Chief Dele Momodu is not a journalist.
Does he hold a degree or HND in Journalism or Mass Communication? If not, then by NUJ’s definition, he does not meet the foundational academic requirement to be recognized as a journalist. Working in a media house does not automatically confer the title of "journalist," just as working in a bank does not make one a banker or working in a University Canteen for 50 years qualifies you to be labelled as Academic.
It was like NUJ saw today from many years ago when they put an emphatic definition on whom to be called a journalist in their professional handout and code of conduct. Kudos to the authors who thought of those stringent requirements. Look at our media spaces today and see if professionalism is being upheld. You see a television host shouting and fighting his guests like Rufai Oseni will always do on Arise, or you see a Dr. Reuben Abati, fighting his colleagues on live broadcast for not addressing him with his title. The authors of NUJ Professional Guidelines assumed that if anybody had passed through training in Mass Communication, or obtained any other training or certification in Journalism, such an individual would have learnt certain decorum of the job.
Journalism, like law or medicine, is a profession with regulatory oversight. The NUJ exists to uphold ethics, standards, and professionalism. If Momodu has never been certified by the NUJ or any recognized journalism body, then Lere Olayinka was right. Dele Momodu being called a journalist because of his experience in Concord Newspaper or for his Photo Album production (according to Lere Olayinka) is merely informal—not professional.
In like manner, the media space today is flooded with individuals who, despite their influence, lack formal journalism training. This has led to a decline in ethical reporting, sensationalism, and misinformation. Just because someone writes columns, hosts a show, or runs a blog does not make them a journalist. True journalism requires training in media law, ethics, fact-checking, and responsible reporting—skills acquired through structured education and professional certification.
Experience alone does not equal qualification.
Momodu’s media experience is commendable, but experience without formal training is like a self-taught surgeon operating on patients. Would we accept that in medicine? Why then should journalism, a profession that shapes public opinion and holds power accountable, be any less stringent? We must be bold to say this at least to check all these Rufai's in our media spaces .
Unfortunately, it is only in Nigeria that we accept and celebrate quacks. In advanced societies, crossing into a regulated profession without certification is nearly impossible. A teacher with 20 years experience in Nigeria cannot walk into a British classroom without proper credentials, nor can a foreign doctor practice in the U.S. without passing licensing exams. Why should journalism be different? The NUJ’s stance is not elitism—it is about maintaining professionalism and that is what Lere Olayinka, a member of that profession, expressed on Arise Television and some people are asking for his head. I was more disturbed when I saw the calibre of people that came online to condemn Lere Olayinka's submission. What a pity?
For me, the NUJ’s definition, as emphasised by Mr. Lere Olayinka, is not to exclude but to protect the profession from charlatans. If Chief Dele Momodu lacks the academic and professional credentials, then calling him a "journalist" is a stretch—no matter his popularity and experience. The same applies to many media personalities today who operate without adherence to journalistic standards.
If we want credible, ethical, and responsible journalism, we must insist on qualifications. Otherwise, we risk celebrating mediocrity and eroding public trust in the media.
Lere Olayinka and the NUJ are right—journalism is a profession, not a hobby. It is not a job that because somebody with a Degree in Animal Anatomy could not get a job in the Veterinary Hospital and resorted to being a TV host.
Let’s stop conflating influence with professionalism. A writer is not always a journalist. A media personality is not always a journalist. True journalism has standards—and those standards matter.
'Biodun Ogundiran is a Social Commentator & Columnist that writes from Baakun in Ipetumodu, Osun State.
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