By O.V.Collins, Osaro Matthew, and Obende Deborah
The National Association of University Students, Edo State Campus Monitoring Committee (CMC) has partnered with the Association of Campus Journalists, University of Benin (ACJ UNIBEN) in a bid to promote student advocacy and enhance adequate flow of information across universities in Edo State. This partnership was reached in a meeting held on Thursday, 21st September 2023, at the University of Benin, which had in attendance the leaders of the two great bodies.
Opening the floor for discussion, Comrade Osahon Eseosa Destiny, the Chairman of NAUS EDO CMC, praised ACJ UNIBEN for its steadfast commitment to delivering reliable news to the general public. Distinguished individuals in attendance during this significant gathering included Comrade Osahon Eseosa Destiny, Chairman, NAUS EDO CMC; Media Coordinator for the CMC Chairman’s office, Comrade Adeyemi Ayobami; Project Director for NAUS EDO CMC, Comrade Desmond, Comrade Sam, a colleague of the CMC Chairman; President of the ACJ UNIBEN, Odabi Collins Victory; Vice President of the ACJ UNIBEN, Osaro Matthew; Secretary-General of the ACJ UNIBEN, Obende Deborah Ofuje.
The partnership stems from the shared goals of both associations and the renowned reputation of ACJ UNIBEN as a trustworthy source of news within the UNIBEN community.
NAUS serves as the voice of university students in Edo state and aims to amplify this voice through collaboration with ACJ UNIBEN. The advantages for ACJ UNIBEN resulting from this partnership include increased recognition from media outlets and a stronger connection with the student body. NAUS EDO CMC also hopes to inspire other universities in Edo state to establish similar campus journalism bodies, using ACJ UNIBEN as a blueprint.
ACJ UNIBEN President CJ Collins Odabi expressed gratitude for the partnership and emphasized that the university administration actively follows ACJ UNIBEN’s updates. He also stressed that ACJ UNIBEN does not tarnish the university’s image but serves as a bridge between the university management and students, raising awareness about student issues without harming the university’s reputation. Additionally, he shared some of the challenges faced by ACJ UNIBEN, which were duly noted by NAUS EDO CMC.
Comrade Osahon Eseosa Destiny provided valuable suggestions to ACJ UNIBEN, which the Executive team pledged to consider earnestly. He encouraged ACJ UNIBEN to uphold truthfulness at all times and to remain vigilant regarding NAUS EDO CMC’s activities.
As the meeting concluded, NAUS EDO CMC extended their gratitude to ACJ UNIBEN for their participation, emphasizing their continuous openness to collaboration and dialogue.
This partnership between NAUS EDO CMC and ACJ UNIBEN represents a significant step forward in working together to achieve common goals in campus journalism and student advocacy.