UNILAG Don Warns of Media Crisis, Seeks Reforms
Funmi Ogundare
A professor of Journalism and Communication Studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ismail Ibraheem, has called for urgent reform within the media industry, saying that without immediate intervention, journalism could lose its power to hold governments and institutions accountable.
He added that it could leave the society adrift in a sea of misinformation and sensationalism.
Prof Ibraheem made this known at the fifth inaugural lecture of the university, titled, ‘Casino Journalism and the End of History’, which he delivered.
He expressed concern about Nigeria’s perilous state of journalism, arguing that the industry is heading towards ‘the wreck’ rather than fulfilling its vital role.
“The current media landscape seems to be undermining societal structures and jeopardising democracy,” he stated.
Ibraheem argued that once a trusted pillar of truth, journalism has been reduced to a high-stakes game where credibility is sacrificed for ratings, clicks, and advertising revenues.
“In this environment, factual accuracy and the pursuit of public good are sidelined in favour of sensationalism and entertainment, a trend which has far-reaching implications for Nigerian society,” the don said.
He identified several forces contributing to the decline of journalistic integrity, including the rise of blogs and clickbait-driven content, the growing influence of foreign-owned media, and the increasing reliance on unverified news from social media platforms.
“This has fostered a culture of sensationalism and shallow reporting, where stories are distorted to provoke emotional responses rather than inform the public,” Ibraheem stated.
These issues, the don, noted should be recognised as a systemic, structural crisis within the media industry. He explained that while many focus on individual unethical acts, such as bribery and corruption, the broader issue lies in the fundamental transformation of journalism into a spectacle, prioritising profit over the pursuit of truth.
He warned that when journalism loses its moral compass, it risks preventing meaningful political and ideological debates, thus stifling societal progress.
According to Ibraheem, the key characteristics of Casino Journalism include the prioritisation of entertainment over substance, a focus on ratings and clicks, and the rampant use of speculation and conjecture in place of verified information.
“In Nigeria, the commodification of news has led to a rise in hostage journalism, where news is manipulated to create leverage or generate profits, often at the expense of truth,” Ibraheem asserted.
He also highlighted the growing trend of on-air personalities who promote opinion-based commentary masquerading as journalism. These figures, he noted, often seen on morning talk shows or political programmes, emphasise charisma and provocation over factual reporting, further muddying the waters of public understanding.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, said that Professor Ibraheem’s research focused on the evolving role of media and civil society in shaping societies, influencing policy, and safeguarding democracy contributions, adding that it showed how his research works extend beyond the academic lecture hall.
“For instance, his pioneering research into press freedom through initiatives like the Vibrant Openness Index for Communication and Expression (VOICE) offers a beacon of hope for strengthening democratic accountability. His work with the African Cities Research Consortium highlights the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling urban challenges and improving governance across the continent,” she stated.
She added that insights into the dangers of sensationalism, the shifting dynamics of modern journalism, and the ethical responsibilities in an era of rapid technological change serve as a reminder that the integrity of our media is closely linked to the health of our democracy.
We are called to uphold journalism that educates, informs, and elevates society; journalism that remains steadfast in truth, equity, and justice,” the VC stated.
