In my recent reflections on the role of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the growing army of non-NUJ practitioners in the media space, one question keeps returning: Who exactly is a journalist? And more importantly, if someone studied journalism, practiced for several years, but later switched careers—into public relations, politics, or academia—can they still be called a journalist?
It’s a question that is not as straightforward as it looks.
Take Segun Adeniyi, for example. He once served as Presidential Spokesman under the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua, but his identity in journalism never faded. Today, he is the Chair of the Editorial Board at THISDAY newspapers and a respected opinion columnist. Week after week, he writes penetrating essays on politics and governance—his latest reflections on Nigerian security and public policy can be found in THISDAY, on his website olusegunadeniyi.com, or on his X (Twitter) handle, @Olusegunverdict. Clearly, his professional foray into politics did not erase his journalistic calling; it only enriched his perspective.
Dr. Reuben Abati provides an even more telling case. He made his name as a journalist and columnist with The Guardian, then crossed over to serve as Presidential Spokesman under Goodluck Jonathan. During those years, it was more precise to describe him as a journalist-turned-PR practitioner. But after leaving government, he returned fully into the fold. Today, he co-hosts the Morning Show on Arise TV alongside Rufai Oseni, writes widely syndicated opinion pieces, and runs his personal news and commentary site, reubenabati.com.ng. His story reminds us that journalism is not just a career you clock in and out of—it is an enduring identity.
I also recall the story of one of my mentees. He earned a degree in Mass Communication and practiced journalism for several years before joining the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as a broadcast regulator. Even though his role shifted from reporting to regulation, his journalistic foundation remained part of his professional DNA. In fact, his journey through the NBC was enriched by his background in journalism, and he deepened his academic credentials along the way—earning a Master’s and later a Ph.D in Mass Communication. His path shows that while careers evolve, the imprint of journalism remains strong.
Similarly, a close friend of mine followed another fascinating path. With a degree in Mass Communication, he practiced journalism across both broadcast and print media before becoming a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to a state governor. From there, he moved into academia, managing a university campus radio station, and today he serves as a Director of Public Relations in another university. At every stage of that journey—government PR, academic management, or institutional communications—the skills and instincts of a journalist remained visible.
Another friend took journalism in a completely different direction. After earning a degree in Mass Communication, he practiced journalism for several years before joining the foreign service. There, his communication skills and grounding in media proved invaluable in diplomacy. He eventually rose through the ranks and retired as an ambassador. Although his title and responsibilities changed, the training and instincts of a journalist never left him; they shaped how he represented Nigeria abroad and how he communicated with the world.
What these cases show is that journalism is both a profession and an identity. If you have practiced it for years, it becomes part of who you are. Still, accuracy matters: when someone leaves journalism entirely, it is clearer to describe them as “a former journalist,” or “a journalist by training.”
International best practices support this view. In the United States, bodies like the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) only admit active practitioners, just as the NUJ-UK does in Britain. Yet, in the public eye, once you have built a career in journalism, the title tends to stay with you. Former journalists are often introduced on panels, in books, or in media appearances as journalists—because the imprint of the profession is permanent.
So, back to the question: once a journalist, always a journalist? My answer is this: yes, but with context. Journalism shapes you in ways that endure, even when your business card says something different. And that is why the NUJ’s ongoing debate about who counts as a journalist—especially in the era of blogs, online papers, and citizen reporting—is so important. The lines are blurring, but the heart of journalism remains the same.
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