Challenges of Teaching Online Journalism Courses in Some Selected Nigerian Universities

Abstract

The developments in information and communication technologies have affected every facet of public life be it social, economic, political or educational. These developments have necessitated the emergence of online journalism and the introduction and teaching of online journalism in Nigerian universities. The introduction and teaching of evolving course are usually not without challenges. This paper examines the challenges of teaching such courses in three federal universities in Nigeria: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano and University of Maiduguri. The study intends to find out the online journalism introduced and taught, at what levels they are being taught; the challenges in teaching the courses; student enrollment and the staff strength specializing in the teaching of Online journalism courses. The theoretical framework used for the study is Diffusion of Innovation Theory. The three universities were purposively selected as all the three universities run mass communication courses. The result of the study indicates that University of Maiduguri runs more courses related to online journalism and has more students offering such courses. However, all the three universities face similar challenges in running the courses. The study concludes that there is need for the three universities to include the practical aspect of teaching online journalism and to strengthen the number of staff teaching such related courses as well as ensure adequate funds are made available for personnel capacity building.