In recent years, the boundaries of journalism have been stretched by the rise of social media and digital publishing. The effect has been that while the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) continues to operate under the traditional assumptions of who a journalist is, an army of new voices has emerged outside its fold. Many of these are serious practitioners of journalism, but by the dictates of the NUJ constitution, they are not eligible for membership.
A recent article in Manhaja by Ɗanjuma Katsina, publisher of Katsina Times, drew attention to this distinction by classifying two categories of online actors. On one hand is the social media influencer, whose work is largely unregulated, dictated only by the rules of platform owners such as Facebook, X, or TikTok. On the other hand is the online journalist, who deliberately embraces the discipline of journalism — applying its ethics, respect for facts, and professional standards in reporting, analysis, and commentary. The difference lies not in the platform used but in adherence to journalistic principles.
From there, the question of belonging arises. The NUJ constitution currently stipulates that for one to qualify as a member, they must hold at least a Higher National Diploma or a degree in journalism/mass communication or have a minimum of fifteen years of recognized practice in a newsroom. The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), on its part, only admits practitioners who have attained the rank of Editor. Both requirements are quite restrictive and automatically exclude many emerging digital voices who are nonetheless practicing journalism in every sense of the word.
This reality raises important questions for the profession in Nigeria. If NUJ remains rigid, and GOCOP maintains its elite entry threshold, where do the rest of the credible online journalists go? Should they remain classified as “non-NUJ members” despite faithfully practicing journalism? Or is it time to rethink the structures of professional belonging?
My own career has shown me how fluid these boundaries can be. I began at Katsina State Television (KTTV) as a broadcaster, hosting current affairs programmes, phone-ins, political discussions, and personality profiles. Over time, I crossed into journalism proper, taking on news reporting, editing, and other newsroom responsibilities. That was my entry into NUJ. Later, when I transferred my service to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), my path changed again. I started out as Chief Public Affairs Officer, serving as the Commission’s image maker — a clear shift into the world of public relations. At that stage, I joined the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and became an Associate Member (ANIPR). Eventually, I transitioned yet again into broadcast regulation.
Along the way, I also tested the waters of digital journalism. In 2011, I started a news blog as a hobby. What began informally has since grown into a registered platform — formalized about three years ago. That journey opened my eyes to the power and reach of online journalism, and the many serious practitioners who operate outside NUJ membership. In all of this, I discovered that journalism, public relations, and communication are not fixed boxes but overlapping professions where skills and ethics matter more than labels.
International experience offers some lessons. In the United States, the Online News Association (ONA) has become a leading platform for digital journalists, welcoming freelancers, podcasters, and bloggers who demonstrate commitment to journalistic ethics. The UK’s National Union of Journalists has also broadened its membership to include digital reporters, regardless of whether they came through traditional newsroom pathways. In Kenya, the Media Council accredits bloggers and online journalists, provided they abide by codes of ethics. The unifying thread in all these examples is that membership is anchored on adherence to professional standards, not merely on educational certificates or years of service.
It is therefore worth advising that the NUJ consider amending its constitution to reflect this new reality. Online journalism is not a passing phase — it is the present and future of information dissemination. To ignore or exclude it is to risk irrelevance. At the same time, associations like GOCOP must resist the temptation of elitism and open themselves to nurturing younger, upcoming online practitioners who may not yet be editors but are already shaping public opinion with journalistic discipline.
In the end, the point is not to dilute standards but to ensure that standards evolve with the times. Journalism is defined by truth, fairness, and accountability, not by whether it is delivered through a newspaper, a radio studio, or a blog. Professional associations must therefore find ways to accommodate serious online practitioners. Otherwise, we will continue to have a large pool of committed journalists left in the category of “non-NUJ members,” without the protection, solidarity, and professional community that membership affords.
The challenge before the NUJ is to modernize. The challenge before online journalists is to prove, by their work, that they are worthy of recognition. Somewhere in between lies the future of the profession.
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