By Chioma Vivian James
The Daily Trust Foundation (DTF) has unveiled a journalism academy to strengthen professional competence, promote ethical reporting and equip media practitioners with the digital skills required to navigate the changing media landscape.
The initiative has received the backing of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, which pledged to encourage their members to participate in the programme.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Chairman of the Foundation, Malam Bilya Bala, said the academy was established to address gaps in investigative journalism, specialised reporting, newsroom collaboration and digital media practice.
Bala explained that the initiative drew from the Foundation’s experience implementing multi-year programmes supported by the MacArthur Foundation, which highlighted the need for a more structured and sustainable approach to journalists’ professional development.
He identified misinformation and declining public confidence in the media as major concerns, stressing that journalists needed continuous training to maintain accuracy, credibility and accountability.
According to him, the Foundation’s previous capacity-building programmes had benefited more than 2,000 participants from media organisations and civil society groups.
He said the academy would build on those achievements by providing accessible training opportunities through physical sessions, specialised workshops and digital learning.
The DTF Digital Academy, available at dtfacademy.com.ng, allows participants to study online at their own pace, complete assessment quizzes and earn certificates upon successful completion of courses.
Bala added that the Foundation would also organise webinars, conferences and public forums while expanding partnerships with academic institutions, media organisations and development partners.
Publisher of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, described the academy as a valuable intervention at a time when digital transformation is changing the demands of journalism.
He maintained that formal education alone was insufficient to prepare journalists for contemporary newsroom challenges, emphasising the importance of practical experience and regular professional development.
Olorunyomi pledged Premium Times’ continued partnership with the Foundation, expressing confidence that the academy would contribute to improving journalism practice in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikiliu Mojeed, urged journalists to consistently update their knowledge, verify information and uphold professional ethics.
He warned that journalists must distinguish between allegations and established facts, particularly in investigative reporting, insisting that the pursuit of accountability must not come at the expense of accuracy and fairness.
Mojeed also called on media organisations to make learning a regular newsroom activity through mentorship, knowledge-sharing sessions and constructive feedback.
He stressed that media executives must provide journalists with adequate time, resources and institutional support to produce credible reports.
Representing the MacArthur Foundation, Margaret Gbam commended the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to sustain professional journalism development beyond donor-funded programmes.
She highlighted the importance of credible information in strengthening public trust, accountability and good governance.
The NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, represented by Comrade Rosemary Ukoko Tega, commended the Daily Trust Foundation for establishing the academy, describing it as timely and necessary amid the spread of fake news and growing concerns about professional standards.
She praised the Foundation for developing a well-tailored and accessible training programme, urging journalists to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their professional