Adeyemi Aleshinoye is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan. He was once the Editor-in-Chief of the University Campus Journalist University of Ibadan (UCJ UI) and at the same time, of Mellanby Hall Press Organization (MHPO). He shared his experience as a campus journalist with UCJ UI.
UCJ UI: How did your journey into campus journalism start and why campus journalism, out of all extra-curricular activities?
ALESHINOYE: My journey into campus journalism started during my 100 level (2016) due to a combination of interest in writing and MHPO being a formidable press organization providing many opportunities with lots of individuals to look up to. Also, campus journalism is an extra-curricular that suits my personality, and hence my choice was campus journalism.
UCJ UI: In what specific ways was campus journalism instrumental to your growth?
ALESHINOYE: Campus journalism has helped my development leadership wise, has allowed me to connect with other pressmen and helped me to reach consensus with people of different opinions, it has helped me in taking initiative, learning consistently, improving socially, and being creative as the press involves being creative in looking for stories and news articles.
UCJ UI: How true is the notion that campus journalists are anti-management?
ALESHINOYE: Campus journalists should expose societal ills, criticize them and drive for positive change. Along the way, some people who are on the receiving end would not be comfortable but still, it does not paint the campus journalist as anti-management as we are not even in a position to go against the management. Also, a campus journalist should remember that journalism is a movement for positive change and not one for pulling people down.
UCJ UI: What are the challenges faced in balancing campus journalism with academics?
ALESHINOYE: The major challenge faced is the issue of time demand, especially during presentations and tests but when the going gets tough the tough get going. The major seasons of those challenges started when I was in 300 level when I was UCJ UI News Editor and more daunting 400 level when I was Editor-in-chief of both UCJ UI and MHPO but looking back at those times gives the assurance that I can scale through any challenge in the future.
UCJ UI: we have talked about challenges, let us then move to opportunities, what opportunities did you earn as a campus journalist?
ALESHINOYE: I got opportunities for internship, one in Diamond FM between 100-200 level and one in Nigerian Tribune in 300 level although I could not accept any due to one reason or the other. There are also opportunities in networking, essay writing and most importantly there is an opportunity for personal growth.
UCJ UI: What changes do you expect from subsequent executives of UCJ UI?
ALESHINOYE: Honestly I don’t have any changes and the last set did pretty well and some of these present executives were part of the last tenure, so I advise them to up the ante and keep up the good works.
UCJ UI: You served in various executive press positions notably Editor-in-Chief of MHPO and UCJ UI, so what were the experiences like?
ALESHINOYE: I had wonderful experiences, MHPO always looked like home, it provided an opportunity for growth and imparting others, even in the area of succession. UCJ UI being a bigger platform brings along some challenges but it was a fantastic experience.
UCJ UI: Now that you are out of school, do you plan on pursuing a career in journalism?
ALESHINOYE: I do not plan to pursue a career in journalism, I plan to pursue a career in legal and professional services but they are things that I have gained from journalism that would be of help in my career field. Also, I should not have a problem if I have to work in a press organization on a short–term basis.
UCJ UI: What advice do you have for campus journalists seeing you as models?
ALESHINOYE: Know exactly what you want as a campus journalist and try to figure out how to get what you want, identify your goal, invest your time, energy, focus and if you join the press, stay in the press and do the work of the press.
