2023 Polls: Avoid Manipulative Politicians – Babcock VC Cautions Journalists

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BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Professor Ademola Tayo, has tasked media practitioners to shun politicians with penchants for manipulative information ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He also said as key stakeholders in the electoral process, the media should facilitate political discourse and information sharing to keep the citizenry abreast with events that shape their lives within the polity.

According to Prof Tayo, the media must be alive to their constitutional responsibility as the fourth estate of the realm and guarding against manipulation by politicians through disinformation that could lead to wrong choices by the electorate in next year’s polls.

Speaking with journalists at the institution’s campus, the Vice Chancellor cautioned that some politicians would for selfish reasons deliberately set out to misinform the public and enjoy undue political advantage using the media.

He blamed such development on citizens’ lack of skills to properly evaluate media content, noting that; “Journalists risk being manipulated by actors who go beyond the ethics of public relations and accountability by attempting to mislead or corrupt journalists into spreading disinformation by applying the concept of an anonymous source in news reporting.

“l am worried, and I know that you are worried too, that disinformation could cause misjudgments, unrest, and wrong choices by citizens, particularly when they do not have the media literacy skills to evaluate the content.

“This could have dire consequences on the nation’s production and consumption levels. I do know like you do, that a journalist’s first responsibility is to gain the public’s trust and commit to sharing the truth. Their facts must be verified and forgo prejudices and biases while writing as objectively as they can. They must view the public’s trust, not as a conception but with a real desire to connect on a human level.”

The University lecturer also said; “Journalists should see the public as a community instead of just an audience of which their profession has a vital part to play.

“In spite of the critical role you play, we know that these are not easy times for the press globally. From Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iran, and China the story is the same ~ blood, hate, and wars. Yet, the world expects you to present a balanced story, analyse events and set the agenda for public discourse both on and offline.

“But, you must remain committed to the truth and factual reporting in all circumstances. We, therefore, charge you as professionals to stand up to the challenge of the times and the immense responsibility on your shoulders.”

The Babcock varsity boss further stated that; “In spite of threats from political manipulators and infiltrators in the ranks ready to exchange professionalism for mediocrity, continue to uphold the tenets of truth, objectivity, and integrity which are the hallmarks of great journalism.

“This is the political campaign period before the election in February and March of next year. As key stakeholders, you must facilitate political discourse, foster transparency, and information sharing, and serve as an effective forum for public debate”.

On milestone strides made by the university in recent times, Prof Tayo said; “We recorded our first successful bilateral total knee replacement surgery on a 65-year-old female patient. The woman had severe knee osteoarthritis on both legs. By God’s grace, the surgeries were successful and the patient was discharged.

“Our programmes offer more than just head knowledge. They are dynamic and diverse. A programme in Medicine, for example, opens unusual doors for self-expression in other ways beyond health centres. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has upwardly reviewed our student enrolment in Medicine.

“Similarly, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria have also approved an upgrade for our Nursing student enrolment.”

The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the institution currently has 44 accredited undergraduate programmes, adding; “Of this figure, six are from the two new School of Environmental Sciences and School of Engineering.

“Besides the NUC, we have received full accreditation from the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA) of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities.  This is the denominational accrediting authority for all tertiary and graduates’ educational programs and institutions owned by Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

Reeling out more achievements recorded by the University management, Prof Tayo said; “We also have six first-class students from the just concluded Nigerian Law School Bar Exams. Babcock had the highest amongst private universities in Nigeria and this represents six (6) percent of the 99 students who took the exams.”

“This makes the University 4th best overall in terms of pass percentage”, the Vice-Chancellor added

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