Separating the Tares from the Wheat

UCJ EDITORIAL

06/04/2017

SEPARATING THE TARES FROM THE WHEAT

Ordinarily, this issue would not merit an editorial discourse, but for the purpose of record, we must do the needful.

For the umpteenth time, we affirm that the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) exalts itself above all forms of competitive race with other media outfits on campus. This is utterly preposterous. How could we be in a race with cells that ought to be under our regulation? Saying that we are in a rivalry with emerging or established bloggers or media outfits on campus is not only unconscionable but out of place and self-defeating. Those fueling the “make-them-look-redundant” campaign are well-advised to use their God-given energy on something more constructive and humanitarian.

At the mention of UCJ, what readily comes to the mind of some people is criticism, bad criticism, and more criticism. In fact, some have tagged us an opposition party to the incumbent Students' Union administration — that we dwell mainly on loopholes rather than achievements. This notion is sure misleading, and also serves as a ploy to detract us from our revered mission. A good knowledge of the posture and workings of the UCJ will help in having an informed opinion about who we really are, what we actually stand for, and our modus operandi.

Without fear or favour, we dare to say that some of our members are yet to have a firm grasp of their roles as campus journalists. This is in spite of regular capacity building sessions designed to enhance productivity. While a handful understand our vision and mission statement, most join the guild for the wrong reasons—political ambition, fame and God-knows-what. This exposé does not, in any way, amount to washing our dirty linen in public. The question is: who regulates the regulator? Your guess is as good as ours. Therefore, we will not shy away from criticising ourselves where necessary. After all, he who seeks equity must do equity.

The life of a campus journalist is no bread and butter. A journalist strives continually to protect public interest and entrench good governance with the pen. It is not the usual accolade you get from sincere well-wishers and psychopaths alike after a beautifully patterned literary work. No. This is not the creed of a campus journalist. It is way beyond this. You stick your neck out for the common good, and you do so selflessly with honour and integrity. There is no pecuniary benefit to this whatsoever. Student-politicians and bloggers get paid, a campus journalist does not.

Of course, we are always open to constructive criticism because it is our stock in trade. We criticise in order to keep our leaders on their toes. However, most people would not like being criticised before an audience, whether constructively or destructively. Only few appreciate the pristine purpose of criticism: transparency, accountability, development, and ultimately, good governance. Still, reverse is the case in this part of the world. When you sing their praises, you become a close friend and ally; when you criticise, you are treated as an opponent, and as such, critical information would be disclosed selectively and promptly to those who are within the inner circle.

We remain unruffled about this, not even with the slightest concern as we are more fixated on our mandate. Unlike some people, we are not members of the choir of psychopathic angels. Our conscience forbids us to thread that compromising path in honour of the public good. Telling the actual story without fear or favour is where the onus lies on a true journalist especially if it is contrary to public policy.

That said, a true campus journalist should put aside sentiments in the line of duty. Despite the peculiar system of the operational milieu, those who portray themselves as the voice of the people and vanguards of justice, must stay true to their calling. They know when to make tough calls where necessary without compromise.

Our message is simple: we are not 'journalitrikcians' or bloggers. We are a union of campus journalists.

This write-up is an editorial of the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ilorin Chapter.

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