The publisher of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, and the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University [ACU], Oyo Town, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, have called for equipping of Nigerians with necessary skills to critically assess media content and strengthening journalism institutions as a way to protect journalism and journalists from digital and democratic crossfires.
Adebayo and Olorunyomi made the call during a public lecture of ACU which had the theme: “Nigerian Journalism under the Digital and Democratic Crossfire”.
According to the Premium Times publisher, since the inception of journalism in Nigeria, it has passed through different phases and changes; both political and technological, which has shaped the way Journalism is done today. From being a tool of anti-colonial resistance of the British colonial era to the relative flourishing under the First republic to the suffering of authoritarian repression of the military dictatorships and the return of democratic rule, Nigeria journalism has been through different circumstances which has left an indelible mark on the profession.
Olorunyomi noted that the early 2000s brought about a profound digital transformation in Nigeria which has reshaped the country’s media ecosystem and altered how information is produced, distributed and consumed.
He stressed that though Nigeria transitioned from military rule to a democratic one, the transition necessarily did not fully resolve the tension between the state and the press as regulatory overreach exemplified by punitive actions of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), legal harassment under broadly defined Cybercrime laws, and episodes of intimidation and violence against journalists persist, while ownership of media outlets by political and and economic elites also continues to compromise editorial independence.
While lauding the advancement in technology, the publisher urged media outlets and journalists to embrace the latest trends in the world.
Olorunyomi also advocated a balanced framework by regulators that promoted accountability without stifling press freedom or innovation. The investigative journalist said it was imperative to amplify African voices in the global media governance debates and contribute to building a more connected and robust investigative journalism culture. He stated that the future of Nigerian Journalism would be determined by how effective stakeholders which include journalists, media owners, regulators, civil society actors, educators and audiences navigate the possibilities and perils of the Nigerian political landscape and the advancement of the emerging technologies.
Olorunyomi said sustained commitment to media freedom, institutional innovation and democratic accountability would be indispensable to ensuring that journalism continues to serve as a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic experiment.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo said he was proud that the institution continues to distinguish itself not only as a centre of academic excellence m, but also as a moral compass and civic beacon in a time when clarity, courage and truth telling are in high demand. The Vice Chancellor noted that the theme of the public lecture speaks directly to the soul of the society and it is not just a timely theme but a necessary and urgent one.
The VC said: “I am proud that our university continues to distinguish itself not only as a centre of academic excellence, but also as a moral compass and civic beacon in a time when clarity, courage, and truth-telling are in high demand. Our university has, in our time, turned to a platform for robust engagement with the pressing issues of our time.
“Today’s lecture, titled “Nigerian Journalism under the Digital and Democratic Crossfire,” speaks directly to the soul of our society. It is not merely a timely theme — it is urgent, necessary, and courageous. We are living through a critical period in our national evolution — a moment when journalism is being buffeted by two powerful and contradictory forces: the accelerating momentum of digital technology and the persistent volatility of our democratic landscape.
“On one side, we have digital innovation that has redefined access to information, disrupted traditional newsrooms, and empowered citizen reporting. On the other, we face a growing intolerance toward dissent, shrinking civic spaces, and a recurrent trend of media repression, even in our so-called democratic dispensation.
“In this charged environment, the journalist becomes both witness and warrior – reflecting public realities while simultaneously shaping them. At Ajayi Crowther University, we are deeply committed to producing graduates who are not only skilled but socially conscious, morally grounded, and intellectually independent. The issues we will engage with today are, therefore, not academic abstractions, but practical imperatives”.
He urged the students and all other participants to leave the lecture more aware and inspired to act with courage and clarity.
“We want our students and indeed, all participants here today, to leave this hall more aware, more engaged, and more inspired to act with courage and clarity. Let this lecture mark, not just a moment of reflection, but a catalyst for reform, in our classrooms, our newsrooms, and our civic lives”, he added.
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