Day 1 at the Health Journalists Academy powered by Roche

I am currently attending a training program for journalists at the School of Media and Communication in the Pan-Atlantic University.

I got the mail this morning to pack up my things and head down to Ibeju Lekki all the way from Akute for the registration of the Health Journalists Academy being sponsored by Roche. My first instinct was to turn it down on short notice but then again, we are talking about the much spoken about Pan-Atlantic University which I have only just visited today plus an opportunity to get someone to pay for a 4day course in this university- one that has highly intellectual professors.

With all of that in mind, I quickly packed a small bag with some of my easy to wear items which are mostly African print- that’s my style! I actually forgot to pack my toothbrush, toothpaste and soap cos I was in a rush out of the house. The registration was slated for 9am and I got this invite at 7am. In the end, a journalists must always live ready. I certainly didn’t forget my laptop, my modem, my phone, my selfie stick, writing materials and my water bottle. These are my essentials to keep me connected even away from the office, get down all the many important points to be taught at the classes and then to stay hydrated all day.

On getting to the university, I was quite exhausted I must say. It was indeed a long journey but worth it. Setting my eyes on the premises reminded me so much of my days in Covenant University. AT this point, let me mention that they do have a strict dress code of no jeans, no sleeveless, no tight fitting clothes, skirts must cover the knee, no shorts, no trainers or flipflops (Does that sound familiar CU grads?). Only those who passed through that prestigious university can comprehend *lol* I should tell you more about the environment on a later date but, I like what I see and I see what I like.

At the Academy today, we were taught Ethics in Journalism by Professor Biakolo and then the Dean, Professor Obiaya taught us Language Skills. Details which will be brought to you in another report.

We were well fed at lunch time, buffet style, and then an apple for dessert.

Classes are done for today and we have all retired to our hotel which is located opposite the Ajah Campus of the University. I love my room and I am certain I should be comfortable. The view from my room is quite beautiful giving me ideas of artistic shots fro tonight before I go to bed. Even as I write and watch the clouds, I am tempted to drop the laptop and rush to my window for a quick shot. 

Dinner will be served at 7pm and then I can work on a few reports before I call it a night.

In subsequent reports, you should be meeting my buddy on this training, Tolu from Cool FM.