My road to journalism, by Kasim Isa Muhammad
My journey to journalism began in my early childhood, fueled by a deep-rooted passion that was nurtured by my mother. I can vividly recall those cherished moments when my momma would tune into BBC Hausa programs, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she called me to sit beside her.
Mama recognized my overwhelming interest in current affairs and storytelling, she knew just how fervent I aspired to pursue a career in journalism.
Sitting beside her, I would keenly listen to the captivating voices emanating from the radio, transporting me to far-flung corners of the world. Each story unfolded like a tapestry of human experiences, revealing the triumphs, struggles, and untold narratives that shaped our diverse planet. I found myself enthralled by the power of words, their ability to inform, inspire, and ignite change.
This was when my passion for journalism first took hold. In 2011, upon graduating from primary school, I eagerly enrolled at Government Junior Secondary School Kara, in Potiskum.
It was within the walls of this institution that I was fortunate enough to join an extraordinary press club. Being a part of the club provided me with invaluable experiences, as I learned the art of covering various stories within the school community. These formative experiences played an immutable role in shaping my career path towards becoming a journalist.
After becoming a member of the press club, my passion for writing in English ignited. I was so driven that I would meticulously jot down unfamiliar English vocabulary on a sheet of paper. This dedicated practice enabled me to gradually master the application of the English language.
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Upon completing my Junior secondary school, I was offered admission to FDSS in the same Potiskum. It was at this institution I was extensively immersed in the study of the English language. The school’s unparalleled commitment to providing comprehensive English education greatly contributed to my growth. This invaluable foundation has played an active role in shaping me into the journalist I am today. Despite not being a particularly diligent student, I found myself enamoured with English classes.
After successfully graduating from secondary school in 2017, I made the decision not to take the JAMB examination to pursue further studies immediately. However, the following year, in 2018, I took a significant step and applied for Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri. I prepared diligently and sat for the JAMB exam.
Upon successfully passing the JAMB, I was privileged to be among the fortunate few who secured admission to study Mass Communication at the esteemed University of Maiduguri.
Starting my lectures at UNIMAID, I developed a keen interest in writing about various issues, both concerning Yobe and the state of the nation. It was during this time, a friend of mine, a son of Dr Hassan Gimba, recommended me to him as someone passionate about writing.
Consequently, Dr Hassan Gimba required me to submit one of my write-ups to him for potential publication on his platform, Neptune Prime. I enthusiastically sent him an article, “The Negative Impact of Tribalism in Yobe.”I had composed earlier.
Simply put, Dr Hassan played a tremendous role in getting my first article published on paper. Not only that but, he also provided me with words of encouragement.
“Kasim, you just need a little push-up.” He would say.
His support and motivation have inspired me to keep pushing forward in my writing endeavours.
Following my initial publication, I embarked on a relentless writing journey, delving into various timely subjects of public interest. As a result, I successfully published numerous articles in renowned national dailies, including Daily Trust, The Nation, Blueprint, Sahara Reporters, Thisday, The Punch, Leadership, and The Guardian newspapers.
However, one of the most significant challenges encountered as a writer occurred when I published an article in Daily Trust in 2021, shedding light on the maltreatment of patients at the Potiskum Specialists Hospital.
The repercussions were severe, as some of the hospital staff resorted to intimidation tactics by calling and threatening my parents. They demanded that my mother should stop me from writing.
Thankfully, I am blessed with a fearless and supportive mother. She firmly disagreed with their request, instead, she encouraged me to continue unveiling the truth for the betterment of our society. Her unwavering belief in the power of journalism and the importance of exposing injustices gave me the strength to persist.
Over the years, as I continued to write tirelessly on various social media platforms, my words caught the attention of a certain Muazu Little. Intrigued by my writings, he took it upon himself to submit my name to attend a seminar organized by a prominent non-governmental organization called Kanempress.
Grateful for the opportunity, I eagerly attended the Seminar at Yobe State University, where my passion for writing shone through. Recognizing my dedication and skills, the organization saw potential in me and offered me a position as their correspondent.
In addition to my work with Kanempress, I continued to contribute to various national newspapers and online platforms. My articles gained traction, sparking conversations and influencing public opinion on critical issues. The power of journalism to shape narratives and effect change became increasingly evident to me.
Intriguingly, during my stay at Kanempress, I had the opportunity to witness the establishment of an online newspaper called The Citizen Reports by an individual who shared my passion for solutions-oriented and development journalism. It was through my association with this platform that my understanding of investigative journalism expanded to new horizons.
Working with The Citizen Reports (TCR) opened doors for me to delve deeper into investigative reporting. It was an exciting and challenging endeavour that pushed the boundaries of my journalistic skills. My first major assignment at TCR involved investigating a primary school in Potiskum known for having the highest number of students.
The investigation I conducted on the school was published in The Citizen Reports (TCR) on October 23, 2023. The findings revealed a shocking reality: the school, with an enrollment of over 18,000 students, had a mere 42 teachers to cater to this overwhelming number. This alarming revelation generated a significant response from the people of Yobe State and beyond.
To further advance my career in journalism, I embarked on numerous investigations focused on the educational sector of Yobe State. These investigations aimed to shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the system, highlighting areas in need of improvement and sharing success stories worth celebrating. Additionally, I had the privilege of writing feature stories that addressed various issues affecting the public.
The work I have produced at TCR helped me establish a reputation as a diligent and committed journalist. The feedback and reactions I received from readers, stakeholders, and the wider public reaffirmed the importance of investigative journalism in driving social change and promoting accountability.
As my career in journalism continued to flourish, I actively sought opportunities to enhance my skills and broaden my knowledge. One of the most notable events I had the privilege of attending was a seminar organized by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
My journey towards journalism has been a formidable one, filled with inspiring moments and formidable challenges that have pushed me to grow and evolve. As I reflect on my experiences, I feel compelled to share some advice with my fellow journalism students.
To those who are embarking on this path, I urge you to venture into the world and explore. Seek out topical stories that have the potential to make a difference. Journalism is not merely about mastering the 5 Ws and HS (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How); it requires a deep understanding of the subject matter at hand.
Embrace the opportunity to become an expert in your field, immersing yourself in the knowledge that will enable you to provide meaningful context and analysis to your reporting.
Furthermore, I encourage my fellow students to recognize the value of learning practical skills that extend beyond the confines of a traditional academic setting. While your degree is important, it is equally crucial to develop additional skills that can complement your journalistic endeavours. These skills can enhance your versatility and make you more marketable in an ever-evolving media landscape.
As a student, I dedicated myself to learning multiple skills, as a result, I got three paying jobs. These additional competencies have played a vital role in reshaping my career and setting me apart in a competitive industry. They have expanded my professional horizons and allowed me to bring a multidimensional approach to my work.
Conclusively, to my fellow students, I encourage you to seize every opportunity to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Develop a thirst for knowledge, embrace new technologies and storytelling techniques, and be open to acquiring skills that will enhance your journalistic capabilities.
Kasim Isa Muhammad is a 400-level student of Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
