LAGOS — The United States Consulate General in Lagos has partnered with the Media Career Development Network to launch a bi-monthly Journalism Clinic aimed at training 150 early-career Nigerian journalists.
The year-long capacity-building initiative targets reporters with fewer than five years of experience and will focus on strengthening their skills in data-driven investigative journalism, digital tools, and ethical reporting standards.
According to a statement released Friday, the intensive workshops will be held in Lagos and will cover key areas such as transparency and accountability in governance, financial journalism, public health reporting, and the ethical use of anonymous sources. Participants will also receive guidance on leveraging social media for impactful storytelling and accessing public data.
Julie McKay, the U.S. Consulate’s Public Affairs Officer, said the initiative underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to bolstering press freedom and strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian media.
“Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy,” McKay said. “By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice, allowing them to engage in important dialogue and hold leaders accountable.”
Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, noted that the programme will also offer mentorship opportunities with senior journalists and subject matter experts.
Applications for the programme can be submitted via https://bit.ly/4lB6Tpx, and selected candidates will be notified ahead of each bi-monthly session.
