A bill seeking to ban journalists without media degree has passed first reading in Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
The bill seeks to raise the minimum qualification for journalists in the country to bachelor’s degree or higher national diploma (HND), in journalism or other related courses.
The bill is sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ado/Ogbadigbo Federal Constituency, Francis Agbo and attempts to amend some sections of the Press Council Act.
The bill which is slated for second reading, is contained in the Nigerian Press Council Amendment Bill 2019
It provides that anyone seeking to practice journalism in Nigeria must “hold a first degree, Higher National Diploma certificate or its equivalence in Media Art or Communication, Journalism from any higher institution in Nigeria or elsewhere”.
Meanwhile some stakeholders have hailed the move by the House of Representatives, stating that it is a step in the right direction.
Some are of the view that it will eliminate the issue of unprofessionalism in the media world.
