Transforming the Newsroom: UI Don Trains Journalists on Solutions Reporting

A lecturer and journalist at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Ridwan Kolawole, has hosted a capacity-building workshop on solutions journalism in Ibadan, rallying reporters toward a more constructive and impact-driven approach to news coverage.

The training, held at the Postgraduate Lecture Room of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, aimed to reposition Nigerian journalism by encouraging practitioners to move beyond problem-centric narratives and spotlight evidence-based responses to societal issues.

Addressing participants, Dr. Kolawole said the initiative stemmed from the rising need for journalists to embrace solutions journalism as a professional framework.
He expressed gratitude to the Head of Department, Dr. Bisi Olawuyi, for supporting the programme, and appreciated facilitators Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi and Mr. Mutiu Iyanda for their contributions.

“This training is entirely self-funded,” he clarified. “Our goal is simple: to deepen understanding of solutions journalism—what it means, the steps involved, and the pillars that sustain it.”

Participants received insightful sessions from Dr. Adebiyi and Dr. Kolawole on the principles and practice of solutions journalism, while Mr. Iyanda led a discussion on its economics and long-term sustainability within Nigeria’s media landscape.

Journalists from leading media organisations, including Nigerian Tribune, The Guardian, Vanguard, Radio Nigeria, BCOS, Pan-Nigerian News, InformedDaily News and AFAS Press, attended the workshop.

In his remarks, Dr. Olawuyi praised Dr. Kolawole for initiating the training, describing it as timely and impactful. He also revealed plans for a major solutions journalism workshop next year as part of the department’s 50th anniversary activities.

He urged participants to incorporate the lessons into their daily reporting, reinforcing the importance of journalism that informs, enlightens and drives change.