MAAUN Students Undergo Intensive Training in Fact-Checking, OSINT, Solutions Journalism from PR Nigeria

No fewer than 35 Mass Communication students at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) have completed a two-day intensive training on investigative journalism, fact-checking, open-source intelligence (OSINT), and solutions journalism, organised by PR Nigeria in Kano in partnership with the department.

The two-day programme, held between Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, at the PRNigeria center, Kofar Famfo, brought together the students for intensive learning and hands-on sessions designed to strengthen their journalism skills.

The students participated actively throughout the sessions, engaging facilitators with questions and practical exercises that reflected a strong grasp of the concepts taught.

The programme featured seasoned journalists and globally recognised media figures, including Jaafar Jaafar, publisher of Daily Nigerian; Abdulateef Abubakar Jos, publisher of Solacebase and an award-winning fact-checker, Muhammad Lawal Dahiru of PR Nigeria.

The opening day introduced participants to the evolving demands of journalism, with a strong focus on fact-checking and OSINT as essential tools for verifying information.

The sessions emphasised that journalism today goes beyond reporting, with accuracy and verification highlighted as the foundation of credibility in the digital age.

Participants also explored social media as a modern newsroom, learning the importance of verifying information before publication.

The concept of solutions journalism further broadened their perspective, encouraging reporting that not only identifies problems but also explores possible responses.

The second day shifted to more practical engagement, with Musa Sani Aliyu of Jalla Radio reviewing lessons from the previous day and guiding students through interactive discussions.

Muhammad Lawal Dahiru led a session on Open Source Intelligence and investigative journalism, stressing the need to look beyond the obvious and protect sources.

A photojournalism session by Abdul Wahab Said ( Bluelens) highlighted the power of images in storytelling, while Abdulateef Abubakar Jos introduced accountability journalism as a tool for holding power to account.

Jaafar Jaafar in his presentation, reinforced the importance of ethics, reminding participants that journalism demands integrity and responsibility.

In his remarks, Mal Yushau Abdulhameed Shuaib, Founder and CEO of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) and Publisher of PR Nigeria, commended the facilitators for their commitment and the students for their active participation.

He noted that the programme, which he participated in virtually across both days, was aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethical and solution-driven journalists.

Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, in his presentation, described journalism as a form of leadership, noting that journalists play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing narratives, and promoting societal development through responsible reporting.

Other contributors, including CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, provided insights on public communication and institutional accountability, while MAAUN President, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr described journalism as “the best profession in the world.”

The program was graced by Dr Habib Awais Abubakar, VP Admin MAAUN; Mr Rabiu Ya’u Sulaiman, HoD Mass Com; and Hayatuddeen M. Abdallah.

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates, marking the beginning of a new phase for the 35 students in ethical, solution-driven, and impactful journalism.