Musa Aminah reports,

Through hard work and resilience, Oluwatoyin Momolosho, a reporter with Confidence News Nigeria, has been awarded the Youth Digest Award as the Best Campus Reporter of the Year at the national level. A 200-level student from the Department of Political Science Education in the Faculty of Social Sciences, he has proven his mettle in journalism.

After being shortlisted for the Campus Journalism Awards, the winners in each category were announced at the Youth Digest yearly ceremony held on December 7, 2023, at Cosmopolitan University in Abuja.

In an interview with Confidence News Nigeria, Oluwatoyin shared his journey as a campus journalist, showcasing his resilience and achievements in the field.

“My interest in journalism ignited in 2020 during my college years. Although my institution didn’t offer any journalism courses and there was no pen club, which could have provided a platform for self-expression, I found inspiration in the stories of Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi. His mentorship motivated me to pursue writing. Under his guidance, I developed my skills and became a recognized campus journalist. My work has since gained national attention, reflecting both his invaluable support and my determination,” Momolosho explained.

Throughout his journalism career, he faced numerous challenges but remained undeterred in his pursuit of impactful stories. Oluwatoyin encouraged fellow campus journalists to produce stories that could influence both their academic environments and society at large.

“Campus reporters face significant challenges, including a lack of press freedom, censorship of sensitive topics, and intimidation from school authorities. These obstacles can hinder our ability to report freely and accurately, ultimately undermining the integrity of the student press. As a result, campus journalists may struggle to fulfill their roles as watchdogs and truth-tellers, feeling pressured to self-censor or avoid covering important stories,” he advised.

As a committed campus journalist, Momolosho shared insights on how reporters can produce quality stories.

“When you come across a topic that sparks your interest, pursue it to the best of your ability. I extend a special thanks to Mr. Taofeeq Imam and Mr. Abdul Kareem Abdulrahman for their relentless support in helping me achieve this milestone,” he expressed.

He also emphasized the importance of balancing academic pursuits with a journalism career. Momolosho maintained this balance through effective time management and advised fellow journalists to stay resilient in their career.

“If you’re a campus journalist looking to succeed, I advise you to connect with fellow student reporters. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed, and consistently read the work of other reporters to stay inspired. By doing so, you’ll not only refine your skills but also potentially generate significant income to support yourself throughout your academic journey,” he concluded.