NIJ Ushers in a New Era with the Unveiling of the Kesington Adebutu Resource Centre

As the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Ogba resumes its new academic session for the year 2024/25 today, lecturers, students, and visitors to the school will be amazed by the new look the institution is now wearing.

Thanks to the management of the foremost school of Mass Communication and Journalism in the country, led by veteran journalist Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, the campus is undergoing its first major physical upgrade in over 35 years.

Since 1986, when the Hassan Wakili Adamu Library was inaugurated, NIJ has maintained its original structure.

However, this October marks a historic transformation with the unveiling of the Kesington Adebutu Resource Centre, a modern two-storey building donated by philanthropist Chief Kesington Adebutu, also known as Baba Ijebu.

The new facility, located in Ogba, Lagos, features a 350-seat lecture theatre and flexible academic spaces, setting the stage for a new era of growth and development at Nigeria’s premier monotechnic for Mass Communication.

During the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024, Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and current council member of the NIJ Board, hailed the moment as a pivotal step in the institution’s modernization, noting the symbolic and practical significance of the new resource center.

This landmark donation marks the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation’s first major contribution to journalism in Nigeria, and is a testament to the ongoing commitment to uplift the education of future media professionals.

Representing Chief Kesington Adebutu at the groundbreaking ceremony, Aare (Dr) Kola Oyefeso, an ambassador of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), expressed his delight at seeing the long-anticipated project finally taking shape. Reflecting on the behind-the-scenes efforts, he assured guests and students gathered at the construction site that the project was fully secured. “This is a done deal,” he declared confidently. “Sir Adebutu doesn’t do anything halfway. The project is being financed 100% and will be completed 100%.” His words underscored the commitment and dedication behind the new Resource Centre, which promises to be a transformative addition to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

The Kesington Adebutu Resource Centre, now complete and ready for commissioning, stands as a testament to the swift and dedicated efforts behind its construction. During the groundbreaking ceremony, NIJ Provost Mr. Gbenga Adefaye expressed confidence that the project would not become an ‘abandoned dream.’ He shared that Chief Kesington Adebutu, fondly known as SKA, had assured its completion within four months—a promise that has now been fulfilled. The realization of this modern facility marks a historic moment during Adefaye’s tenure, symbolizing a new era for the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and its commitment to excellence in media education.

In conclusion however, the newly completed Kesington Adebutu Resource Centre, a stunning addition to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, is estimated to have cost over 250 million Naira. Beyond its financial value, the real reward for NIJ stakeholders is the visual transformation it brings to the campus. This modern edifice, with its sleek architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, has redefined the aerial view of the institution, marking the beginning of a new era. The building stands as a beacon of progress, reflecting the commitment to advancing journalism education in Nigeria. Welcome to the new NIJ.