Students of the International Institute of Journalism have officially launched the 2026 edition of THA NEWS, the annual publication produced by students of the PGD504 Sub-Editing and Graphics class.
The launch event took place on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists press centre in Osogbo, bringing together students, lecturers, alumni, and media professionals.
In his welcome address, Dr Abdulazeez Thanni described the publication as a lasting legacy of the institution. He noted that the initiative was created to mark the achievements of the institute and to showcase the practical training of journalism students.
“This is a legacy we have built, and we want to use it to mark a particular achievement of IIJ. This is our third year of producing it, and we give thanks to God Almighty,” he said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, spoke on the importance of journalism education and the growing challenge of fake news, especially during politically sensitive periods in Osun State.
He urged aspiring journalists to uphold professional ethics by verifying information before publication.
“News must be verified before publishing. Build your name through this profession and encourage others to take advantage of this course,” he said.
Aboderin also encouraged the students to register as members of the NUJ and embrace digital platforms such as blogging to sharpen their reporting skills and begin practicing journalism actively.
Speaking at the event, alumni members of the Osogbo centre highlighted the value of the institute’s certification and the practical experience gained through the programme.
Femi Ojo of Rave FM said the IIJ certificate, awarded through the University of Maiduguri, is widely recognised and encouraged students to introduce others to the programme.
Another alumnus, Engr Lekan Adeleke, shared his personal journey into journalism. He explained that despite his engineering background, his passion for sports development led him to enroll at IIJ, where he gained valuable media knowledge and experience.
The centre coordinator, Dr Abbass Okandeji, described the NUJ centre as a valuable learning environment that offers students more than academic certification.
According to him, the programme also provides practical exposure, professional connections, and opportunities that can shape students’ future careers in journalism and communication.
Dignitaries present at the event included executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists led by Chairman Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, the coordinator of IIJ Osogbo Centre Dr Abbass Okandeji, course coordinator Dr Abdulazeez Thanni, and notable alumni Engr Lekan Adeleke and Femi Ojo.