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The graduands and lecturers.

Seventy-five years-od Pa Ejogharado is among six students who enrolled for the post-graduate diploma programme in journalism of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Warri study Centre, Warri, Delta State.

Pa Ejogharado, joined his colleagues in calling others who are yet to sharpen their journalism skills to take advantage of the programme to upgrade their knowledge and get the required qualification to practice as journalists.

The students and lecturers of the institute spoke during the seminar presentation by the 2017/2018 students of the Warri Study Centre, on Saturday, October 13, 2018.

Pa. Ejogharado Blessed Hosanna, spoke exceedingly about the one year programme, which had empowered them to be public commentators, and advised those who are currently parading themselves to brace the odds and get registered as students for the one year or two year National Diploma programme.

According to Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, the Publisher of an Online medium, the Ndokwa Reporters, and Chairman of Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, the one year programme had further equipped him with more knowledge, and insight as a trained personnel in a particular job call.

“The one year programme was insightful, though challenging, but it’s what every practising journalist or those who have taken to the profession, have to do. It is just one year. With determination, you will be done in just a few months,” he said.
Mr Enebeli while thanking the lecturers and the management of the Institute for their time, and pain to impart the required knowledge, used the opportunity to appeal to journalists with just O’level result to also take advantage of the National Diploma Programme of the institute, and upgrade themselves and learn the rudiments of the profession.

Expressing joy for the conclusion of the programme, 75 years old Pa. Ejogharado Blessed Hosanna who is the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ughelli Chapel said he was motivated by his position at the NUJ to enrol for the programme.

“I enrolled in spite of my age because when we go out, some of us were being referred to as quacks. I don’t want to be referred to as a quack in the journalism profession,” he said.
Pa. Hosanna advised practising Journalists who are not professionally qualified to enrol for the International Institute of Journalism programme for their own good.

While noting that education has no age limit, Pa. Hosanna said the youths should develop a passion for education to better their lives.
He said: “I hold HND in Business Administration before I did the PGD. By next year, I hope to enrol for my Master’s Degree programme as well and by the grace of God, I pray to have my PhD by 80 years of age.”

Another student of the Institute, Umukoro Daniel Dafe said he was excited that the tedious journey has finally come to an end.
Dafe who is the Publisher of Oasis Magazine said, “Though it was difficult a positive load and dropping such load as a publisher at this time is a thing of joy.”
The other students who also defended their seminar papers include Udise Gladys, Elohor Foghola and Odede Mark New-world.

The students presented papers on various topics, before a panel of four lecturers and invited guests at the Warri Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ).
The panel was headed by Professor Mojaiye of the Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University, who formally announced the introduction of the National Diploma Programme of the Institute for the Asaba and Warri Study Centres.
The IIJ is affiliated to the University of Maiduguri.