The International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) Abuja remains an affiliate of the University of Maiduguri, Borno state, findings by Blueprint have revealed.
The revelations followed some media reports that the university’s management was threatening a legal action against the Institute over “an affiliation claim” with it (UniMaid).
One of the reports claimed that “the institution was alleged to have issued statements of results and a certificate to undeserving aspirants to various positions in Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT council election.”
However, Blueprint ’s findings revealed that both the IIJ and the university entered into a solid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) July 26, 2010, which we gathered, still subsists.
The two parties, according to the MoU, promised to “promote learning and service to the humanity and produce high quality journalist/practitioners equipped with the required knowledge and skills for effective practice in the modern world.”
The document revealed the two schools agreed “to enter into affiliation for the purpose of mounting the under listed courses in International Institute of Journalism, Abuja, FCT under the supervision of University of Maiduguri; 1 Diploma in Journalism (DIP); 2 Higher Diploma in Journalism (HD); 3 Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ); 4 Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations (PGDAP) any other course(s) that may be approved by the parties.”
The agreement between the two parties further stated that: “All participating members of the partnership understand that any party may terminate its participation under this Memorandum of Understanding upon written notice to the other of not less than six months.
“The parties hereby acknowledge the foregoing as the terms and conditions of their understanding, and it is understood that this Memorandum of Understanding creates contractual rights or obligations of the parties.”
A top source at the IIJ expressed worry over “the malicious claim that the management of the University of Maiduguri was threatening legal action against the Institute over affiliation claim with the university while the said agreement has not been terminated by the two parties.”
“We must not destroy this institution, destroying the IIJ is as good as destroying the journalism profession not only in Nigeria, but in Africa. Our graduates are abroad making waves in their chosen career. We need to be guided and desist from making a mockery of ourselves,” said the source.
In a letter dated November 20, 2024, the IIJ complained of the malicious social media posting targeting the credibility of the Institute on the alleged fraudulent issuance of certificates to the FCT NUJ Council.
The posting alleged that some of the contestants in the last FCT NUJ Council election were parading forged certificates from IIJ.
And in a response to the IIJ letter, the FCT NUJ Council Election 2024 Credential Committee, had said: “The Committee unequivocally dissociates itself from the unethical and malicious social media postings circulating on platforms such as Facebook. These postings insinuating fraudulent issuance of certificates by IIJ, do not represent the views, actions, or intention of the Credential Committee.
“As a body mandated to oversee a fair and transparent election process, the Credential Committee has consistently adhered to the highest ethical standards. It is regrettable that certain individuals, particularly those who have refused to formally engage with the electoral process by collecting nomination forms have resorted to such unprofessional and divisive tactics.”
The union further said: “From all indications, these malicious actions are politically motivated and seem to be orchestrated by persons outside the Committee, who have publicly shown partisanship in favour of an aspirant.”
