Daily Trust Foundation Launches Journalism Academy to Tackle Fake News, Raise Reporting Standards

The Daily Trust Foundation (DTF) has launched a journalism academy to strengthen ethical reporting, improve journalists’ digital skills and equip media professionals with the tools to combat misinformation and promote accountability in Nigeria.

The academy, unveiled on Tuesday, is designed to address critical gaps in professional journalism through structured training, practical learning and increased access to capacity-building opportunities.

Chairman of the Foundation, Malam Bilya Bala, said the initiative was informed by lessons from the organisation’s implementation of multi-year grants supported by the MacArthur Foundation, which exposed gaps in investigative journalism, specialised reporting, newsroom collaboration and digital skills.

Bala said the spread of misinformation and declining public trust in the media had made continuous professional development essential to maintaining credible journalism.

He disclosed that the Foundation’s previous capacity-building programmes had benefited more than 2,000 participants from media organisations and civil society groups.

According to him, the programmes covered investigative journalism, education, energy, banking, agriculture, natural resources, crime and security, oil and gas, national budgeting and media management.

He explained that the new academy would consolidate these experiences and expand access to professional training through both physical and online learning.

A major component of the initiative is the DTF Digital Academy, an online learning platform available at dtfacademy.com.ng, which allows participants to learn at their own pace, complete assessments and earn certificates after successfully completing their courses.

The Foundation also plans to organise specialised workshops, webinars, conferences and public forums while strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, media organisations and development partners.

Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation.

Olorunyomi said formal education alone could not adequately prepare journalists for the changing demands of modern newsrooms, stressing the importance of continuous training and practical experience.

He reaffirmed Premium Times’ commitment to partnering with the Foundation, expressing optimism that the academy would help strengthen professional standards and widen learning opportunities for journalists.

In his keynote address, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikiliu Mojeed, urged journalists to continually update their knowledge, verify information and uphold ethical standards in their reporting.

Mojeed cautioned that the determination to expose wrongdoing must not lead journalists to publish unverified allegations or compromise the standards of proof required in responsible journalism.

He also called on media organisations to institutionalise continuous learning through mentorship, knowledge-sharing sessions and constructive feedback.

According to him, newsrooms must provide reporters with adequate resources and time to produce accurate, balanced and high-quality reports.

Representing the MacArthur Foundation, Janet Gbam congratulated the Daily Trust Foundation on the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to sustain professional journalism development beyond grant-funded programmes.

Gbam emphasised the connection between credible information, public trust and good governance, noting the importance of strengthening the capacity of journalists to serve the public effectively.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, represented by Rosemary, also welcomed the academy, describing it as timely amid the proliferation of fake news and growing concerns about professional standards.

She commended the Foundation for developing an accessible and carefully designed training programme, urging journalists to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their skills.

The NUJ representative pledged the union’s support for the initiative, particularly in promoting ethical conduct and professional excellence among journalists.

Similarly, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bassey Ita-Ikpang, represented by Princess Joy Idam, pledged the association’s support for the academy.

Idam said NAWOJ would publicise the programme and encourage its members to participate while the training remained free.

Programme Director of the Daily Trust Foundation, Dr Theophilus Abbah, urged media owners and managers of media platforms to encourage their reporters to enrol in the academy.

Abbah said the training would strengthen journalists’ ability to produce accurate, credible and valuable reports, ultimately helping to rebuild public confidence in the media.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute to improving professional standards and equipping journalists to navigate the challenges of an increasingly digital and information-driven society.