Anchor University Don Seeks New Journalism Course Focused on Child Protection

 DVC, Professor Olusola Oyero

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Anchor University, Lagos, Professor Olusola Oyero, has called for the introduction of a specialised Children's Journalism course in Nigerian universities, saying the media needs better-trained professionals to report on issues involving children with greater care and responsibility.

Professor Oyero made the proposal while delivering the university's maiden inaugural lecture, where he stressed that children remain one of the most vulnerable groups in society and should be protected from harmful or unethical media coverage.

According to him, although journalism education in Nigeria has evolved over the years, there is still no dedicated course that prepares journalists to report on children's issues using child-sensitive and rights-based approaches. He argued that such a gap has contributed to cases where minors are unnecessarily exposed through photographs, interviews, and reports that violate their privacy and dignity.

The media scholar explained that a Children's Journalism course would equip aspiring journalists with knowledge of child rights, ethical reporting, safeguarding, trauma-sensitive storytelling, and the legal responsibilities involved in covering stories about minors.

Professor Oyero noted that responsible journalism should not only inform the public but also ensure that children who become subjects of news reports are not retraumatised, stigmatised, or exposed to further harm.

He also urged media organisations to strengthen their editorial policies by putting the best interests of children at the centre of news reporting, especially as stories involving child abuse, trafficking, domestic violence, and online exploitation continue to increase.

The proposal was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of Anchor University, Professor Samuel Bandele, who described the inaugural lecture as a significant academic milestone for the institution and commended Professor Oyero's contribution to journalism scholarship.

If adopted by universities and relevant education authorities, the proposed Children's Journalism course could strengthen journalism education in Nigeria while producing media professionals who are better equipped to protect children's rights through ethical and responsible reporting.