The Media Career Development Network (MCDN) has officially launched a landmark career development initiative, Media Career Fix, designed to provide structured support and professional clarity for journalists across Nigeria.
Supported by Nigeria LNG Limited, the programme was unveiled during a hybrid event in Lagos, marking a significant intervention in the country’s evolving media landscape.
While the initiative initially planned to select only 30 participants, the organizers expanded the scope to include more than 150 journalists. This decision followed a pre-launch survey that revealed a staggering need for professional intervention, highlighting deep-seated issues ranging from a lack of mentorship to financial instability.
Addressing the Mentorship and Resource Gap
During the launch, the Executive Director of MCDN, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, presented a sobering report on the state of media career development. The survey conducted by the network found that many Nigerian journalists operate without clear career direction, sufficient digital capacity, or access to essential data resources. Participants also cited institutional constraints and poor remuneration as significant barriers to their professional advancement.
To counter these challenges, the Media Career Fix will offer personalized recommendations, training sessions, and a structured mentorship system. Beneficiaries are set to receive specialized coaching in digital readiness and sustainability strategies to ensure they remain competitive in a globalized industry.
“It is important for journalists to be intentional about achieving their career goals and aspirations instead of leaving things to chance. This initiative is a wake-up call for journalists to take charge of their own career development,” Otufodunrin stated.
The ‘Fixing You First’ Philosophy
The event featured a keynote address by Ms. Omotola Adebanjo, Editor of Gist Nigeria and a Career Mentor at the BBC. In her presentation, titled “Fixing You First: The Hard Truth About Building a Journalism Career in Nigeria,” Adebanjo challenged the notion that professional growth is solely the responsibility of the employer.
She argued that while global journalism faces a crisis, individual journalists must prioritize skills ownership, visibility, and adaptability. She emphasized that waiting for the “perfect newsroom” is a recipe for stagnation, urging reporters to cultivate their value independently of their current workplace.
“You don’t grow because of the newsroom; you grow because you decide to—then the newsroom will catch up with you,” Adebanjo remarked.
A Call for Institutional Reform
Despite the focus on individual accountability, the programme also addressed the systemic responsibilities of media owners. Adebanjo urged news organizations to stop viewing journalists as replaceable labour and instead invest in long-term training and editorial independence. She noted that for the industry to thrive, organizations must reward innovation rather than just routine reporting.
The launch drew a wide array of industry leaders, including Alhaja Shekinat Lawal, MCDN Board of Trustees member; Ms. Joke Kujenya, Founder of The Journalism Clinic; and Ms. Anikeade Funke Treasure, Executive Director of Illuminate Nigeria Development Network. Their presence underscored a collective commitment to revitalizing the journalism profession in Nigeria through economic empowerment and continuous capacity building.
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