By Paschal Okwor
Students of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), have commenced their mandatory industrial training with CrossRiverWatch.
CrossRiverWatch is Cross River State and Niger Delta’s foremost media house that focuses on accountability, investigative, solution and developmental issues that are closely related to the State and the South South zone.
The students were formally received at the organization’s office located at Kings Street opposite Diamond Junction, Calabar, on June 8, 2026, marking the beginning of a practical training program designed to expose them to professional journalism and strengthen their media skills.
Welcoming the students, Senior Reporter and Coordinator, Kelvin Ololo, described them as “gentlemen men of the press” and introduced them to members of the editorial team during an orientation session attended by the Managing Editor, News Editor, Co-coordinator and other staff.
Addressing the students, Managing Editor Jonathan Ugbal emphasized the importance of reading as a foundation for journalistic excellence.
“Readers are leaders. You must cultivate the habit of reading. Don’t rely solely on Artificial Intelligence. Learn to write by yourselves so that you can be corrected where necessary and become better journalists,” he advised.
Mr. Ugbal reminded the students of the constitutional responsibility of the media, citing Section 22 of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which states that “the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
He explained that the provision underscores the duty of journalists of holding public office holders accountable on behalf of the people.
Also speaking, the News Editor, Patrick Obia stressed that practical experience is indispensable to Journalism education, noting that classroom instruction alone is insufficient.
“Field experience is entirely different from classroom learning. Theory and practice should complement each other. Ideally, journalism education should be about 40 percent classroom learning and 60 percent practical experience. This helps students develop professional skills, improve retention and become better problem-solvers.”
He enjoined the students to make good use of the training not only to get the grade but to also acquire a life-time knowledge and skills that will shape the world, adding that the world is full of problems and in dire need of problem solver.
One of the dozen students, Joy Okpa, expressed that with just a few days into the training her perspectives, knowledge and experience about journalism and media as a whole has shifted.
“The IT has helped me to gain practical experience and learn new skills like writing news.
She said It has improved her confidence, communication skill and the ability to work with others and will help to shape her future career.
Another trainee Christiana Uka, stated the importance of the program in helping to shape students’ mindset towards academic performance and has helped to put away the spirit of fear and anxiety.
The industrial training program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world media practice by providing students with hands-on experience in news gathering, reporting, editing and other aspects of media production.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Uka Christiana Okoko expressed appreciation to the management of CrossRiverWatch for accepting them into the program and pledged that the trainees would remain disciplined, cooperative and professional throughout the training period.
During the four weeks of their attachment, they will undergo training in news writing, editing, desk and field reporting, photography and videography, tech skills and other areas of journalism to meet up with the evolving world of media.
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