Imo State University Students Gain Real-World Media Skills at Owerri Training Hub

A hands-on media training in Owerri is changing how journalism students from Imo State University prepare for life beyond the classroom, with dozens gaining practical experience in content creation and storytelling.

Seventy-seven students from the university’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies took part in a six-day industrial training programme at OtownGist Media & Creative Hub between March and April 2026. The initiative, organised by Harsco Media, was led by media professional Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, alongside facilitators Chidera Ujah and Harriet Ijeomah.

Unlike traditional lectures, the programme placed students in real production environments, where they learned by doing. Training sessions covered video editing, podcasting, news writing, and digital storytelling, with participants expected to deliver actual media projects.

Many students arrived hoping to pick up basic skills but soon found themselves working on full-scale productions. Egenti Ikedi Marvelous said his goal was to improve his editing and interviewing abilities, but he ended up collaborating on a video project examining the impact of social media on relationships.

The training emphasised teamwork and practical execution. Students were grouped and assigned tasks that required both studio work and field reporting, including street interviews, broadcast writing, and content production exercises designed to mirror real newsroom demands.

Interactive sessions also formed a key part of the experience. Structured debates and communication exercises were introduced to sharpen critical thinking and help participants become more confident speakers.

For several students, the biggest shift was personal growth. Chijindu Anita said she joined to improve her public speaking and left feeling more confident expressing herself. Joy Njoku Chidinma shared a similar experience, explaining that consistent practice and feedback helped her overcome anxiety and improve her communication skills.

Organisers said the short but intensive programme was designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Participants agreed, noting that the experience gave them a clearer understanding of the expectations, pressures, and opportunities within the media industry.