The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for press freedom and ethical journalism in Nigeria, highlighting the critical role of independent media in strengthening democracy, public accountability, and informed public debate.
Training Programme on Science and Tech Journalism
Speaking during a three-day training titled 'Advancing Press Freedom Through Science and Tech Journalism,' organised by the UK Government in partnership with the School of Media and Communications, Pan Atlantic University (PAU), the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, stated that the UK has collaborated with Nigerian journalists through training programmes and engagements over the past two years.
According to Baxter, these engagements reflect a shared belief that strong and independent journalism is essential in democratic societies, particularly at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly through technology and digital platforms.
Commitment to Media Freedom
Baxter emphasised that the UK takes its relationship with the Nigerian media seriously and remains committed to supporting media freedom and science and technology reporting. 'You all know much better than we do that in an age of rapidly changing technology, accurate, ethical and evidence-based reporting has never been more essential,' he said.
He noted that unverified information spreads quickly, making the role of journalists and media organisations even more critical in providing credible and balanced information to the public.
The discussions focused on economic growth, investment, migration, and security cooperation, while emphasising that journalists play a vital role in helping the public hold leaders accountable for commitments made during such engagements. He urged journalists participating in the programme to ask questions, share experiences, and engage openly during discussions.
Upholding Responsible Journalism
Dean of the School of Media and Communications at Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, stressed the need to uphold the principles of responsible journalism amid the growing influence of digital media and citizen reporting. Obiaya said journalism must continue to be guided by ethics, accountability, transparency, independence, and verification despite the challenges posed by technological innovations and the democratisation of information sharing.
He warned that the rise of online platforms has created an environment where anyone can publish information, often without the necessary professional skills or ethical standards. According to him, misinformation, bias, and ideological influence now shape many narratives, making it necessary to strengthen critical thinking among media consumers and reinforce professional journalism standards. He said journalism should not only focus on societal failures but also highlight positive developments that improve communities and public understanding.
Challenges Facing Media Freedom
Associate Professor, Silk Ogbu, said the media remains central to democracy and constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression and access to information. He, however, noted that media freedom in Nigeria continues to face challenges, including censorship, government influence, and financial pressures affecting journalists and media organisations.
Ogbu said journalists often struggle to maintain independence because of poor welfare conditions and economic constraints, adding that stronger advocacy by media unions is necessary to protect journalists' rights and professional integrity. He also stressed the need for financial independence within media organisations to reduce external influence and strengthen editorial freedom.
Enhancing Science and Data Journalism
Lecturer at PAU, Dr Uzoma Okoro, highlighted the need for concise language and avoiding long sentences to maintain reader engagement. She emphasised the significance of translating technical jargon into plain language for better understanding. She also suggested using analogies and familiar experiences to explain complex concepts, adding the importance of making numbers meaningful by relating them to familiar concepts.
Resource Person, Dr Richard Ikiebe, emphasised the importance of verifying expert claims and government data. He noted that the lack of data and statistics in Nigeria is a story in itself, highlighting the need for better information systems. He stated that science reporting should focus on public interest, emphasising evidence, clarity, and relevance. According to him, data journalism and visualisation are crucial for strengthening science stories and holding authorities accountable. Journalists should use multiple sources and verify data to ensure accurate and impactful reporting.
