The Programs Director of Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Arewa Radio, Prince Daniel Aboki, has stressed the urgent need to overhaul the school curriculum in Nigeria, particularly in mass communication.
Prince Aboki stated this during an educational visit by students and staff of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic to the stations.
The tour was aimed at exposing students to real-world media operations and Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking during the visit, Aboki noted that the current curriculum is outdated and fails to meet the practical demands of today’s media industry.
According to him, “The curriculum must change. It is long overdue. It should be 80 percent practical if we want students to succeed in the real world.”
He emphasized the importance of hands-on training, saying theoretical knowledge alone can no longer prepare students for the dynamic challenges of the media landscape.
Also speaking during the visit, the station's News Manager, Mr Kolawole Omoniyi, urged aspiring journalists to be “jacks of all trades” to remain competitive.
He explained that the versatility of skills such as video editing, script writing, voice acting, photography, and on-air presentation is now essential for survival in modern journalism.
Kolawole also lamented the waning interest of Mass Communication students in consuming news content.
“You can’t become what you don’t engage with. Most students don’t listen to the news anymore, and that’s a big problem,” he said.
He further stressed the need for multitasking and passion, noting that interest is the first step toward success in the field.
Kolawole further briefed them on how news stories are sourced, edited, and broadcast to the public.
Head of Department, Mass Communication, Mrs Clara Boman Akut, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the tour, saying it was a vital part of the student’s practical exposure.
“This visit complements what they learn in the classroom and helps bridge the gap between theory and practice,” she said.
Mrs Clara emphasized the importance of practical experience in training communicators and revealed that the institution has begun implementing changes in its curriculum.
She stated, “Mass Communication has been unbundled at our institution. While the ND program still runs Mass Communication, the HND now offers specialized courses such as Strategic Communications, Journalism and Media Studies, and Film and Multimedia.”
During the educational tour, the Bamalli also visited key media and cultural institutions in Kano State as part of their practical learning experience.
The institutions visited include the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Kano, Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), and the National Museum Gidan Makama, Kano.
At NTA Kano, the students were warmly received by station officials who took them through the various departments, including the newsroom, production studio, and control room.
Similarly, at ARTV, the students were introduced to modern broadcasting techniques and the challenges facing state-owned media in the digital age.
The station’s staff engaged the students in interactive sessions, answering questions on program production, news anchoring, and the role of media in community development.
The final stop of the tour was the National Museum, Gidan Makama, a historical site rich in cultural artefacts and the history of Kano Emirate.
The students explored ancient relics, traditional costumes, and historical records that highlight the depth of Nigeria’s cultural legacy.
The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals, gaining insights into the demands and expectations of the industry.
