By: Muheeb Moshood
It’s not an exaggeration to label my editors the best in the history of campus journalism. With only three editors carrying over from the previous administration, they did not only steered the ship but elevated it to new heights.
The future of The News Digest Press, the prominent press outfit at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and an independent newsroom in Nigeria, faced a survival dilemma as the press board witnessed a seismic shift, with just three editors retaining their positions in 2022.
Amidst a dedicated team of reporters poised to deliver, the editors were inundated with content as they took up their roles. Many anticipated challenges ahead, but these accomplished individuals fulfilled their duties with excellence, propelling the platform to greater heights.
Providing Enriched Content via Reliable Platforms
The 2022/23 administration, led by Shereefdeen Ahmad, breathed new life into the outlet’s blog, transforming it into an independent newsroom akin to national and international dailies. Leveraging various social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), WhatsApp groups, and others, the press outfit delivered timely and reliable updates to their audience.
With only three editors, the newsroom published hundreds of high-quality pieces addressing campus and broader issues. For instance, the current Principal Editor, Habeeb Olokooba, exposed unscrupulous practices in shops under the control of the Student Union, leading to the dissolution of the previous leaders and the appointment of a new caretaker committee by the school management.
Additionally, senior reporter Abdulazeez Abdulganiyu uncovered the intimidation faced by passersby due to smokers along specific routes on campus. The team delved into issues directly and indirectly impacting students, offering valuable solutions. Multiple columns, such as Thursday Motivation, Jambito Diary, Entertainment, and others, educated and entertained their readers. “The Health Stack” by Jibril Mutallib consistently raised health awareness throughout the administration.
Member Development
During their tenure, the press board’s leaders organized weekly training sessions to enhance members’ writing skills. The former Editor-in-Chief provided online training on style elements, ensuring the members honed their craft. A writing contest during the break aimed to maintain consistent writing during holidays.
Notably, Digest members excelled in CJID training, with 15 press board members gaining in-depth insights into journalism from various experts, selected based on merit.
Live Coverage of Campus Events
The News Digest covered campus events comprehensively, emulating the real-time world of journalism. Their memorable coverage of the 2023 UDUS-SU election, spanning the main campus, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), and City Campus in Sokoto town, was deemed free and fair by students and staff. A lecturer even inquired if the news outlet had been paid for its election coverage, a testament to their professionalism.
The pressboard also reported on the manifesto program preceding the election, the matriculation of new students, the first election of the Law Student’s Association of Nigeria, UDUS Chapter, and the first election of the Ilorin Emirates Students’ Union (IESU-UDUS), among other events.
In a groundbreaking move, they appointed Asiat Meikudi as Deputy Editor-In-Chief, the first female to hold this position in the history of UDUS and campus journalism.
Moreover, the administration celebrated the 2023 Digest Festival with an InterVarsity debate competition between UDUS and Sokoto State University, a historic first for the Sokoto Caliphate.
In his festival speech, Shereefdeen Ahmad remarked, “I still can’t believe that the Shereefdeen-led administration has reached its destination. We’ve maintained the pure cardinal principles of journalism, unveiling what those in power wished to conceal. We’ve built journalism that goes beyond press releases and exposes the truth, no matter whose interests it challenges.”
In conclusion, “Digest is a united family, where we grow and develop ourselves,” as aptly put by myself.