Professor of Journalism and Media Studies and the Dean, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology at Kwara State University (KWASU), Professor Isiaka Zubair Aliagan, has advised aspiring journalists to embrace multitasking and develop multimedia skills to remain relevant in today’s rapidly evolving media industry.
Aliagan gave the advice on Monday during an interview at the 18th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series held in Lagos.
Responding to a question on his advice for upcoming journalists, the media scholar said the era when journalists worked alongside photographers and cameramen on every assignment is gradually fading, as modern journalists are now expected to perform multiple roles.
According to him, technological advancement has transformed newsroom operations, making it necessary for journalists to possess diverse digital competencies beyond conventional news reporting.
“In the past, we have photographers who go to assignments with journalists. Nowadays, you have to take photographs by yourself. In those days, at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), you had a cameraman and a reporter. Today, a journalist is doing virtually everything together,” he said.
Aliagan noted that modern journalism demands professionals who can gather information, write stories, capture photographs, record videos, and produce content for multiple platforms simultaneously.
“It is the era of multitasking,” he said. “Even when you do your report, you have to prepare different versions. Some are for print or text, some are for online platforms, while others may require video or audio uploads.”
He explained that journalists who possess multimedia production skills stand a better chance of succeeding in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven media environment.
The journalism professor urged aspiring media professionals to continuously acquire new digital skills so they can effectively adapt to the changing demands of the profession.
“You have to do all of these combined so that wherever you find yourself, you can give your best to the system,” Aliagan said.
He stressed that mastering multimedia journalism, mobile reporting, digital storytelling, and content production across different platforms is no longer optional but essential for career success in the contemporary media landscape.
The 18th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series brought together media practitioners, academics, students, and stakeholders to discuss contemporary issues affecting journalism, democracy, and civic engagement in Nigeria. The event also featured the public presentation of the 2025 Journalism and Civic Space Status Report under the theme, “Beyond the Ballot: Measuring Democracy Through Security, Welfare, Accountability and Public Trust.”
