Mapping the Contemporary Nigerian Newsroom

Defining Professional Identity in Contemporary Nigerian Journalism: A Nationwide Survey of Media Workers

Over the first half of 2025, there has been a renewed and growing conversation about who qualifies as a professional journalist in Nigeria. This debate reflects a shifting reality where many individuals without formal journalism training — including those from science, social sciences, and arts backgrounds — are now taking up key roles, leading media organisations, and making significant contributions to the media landscape.

Interestingly, some of Nigeria’s most prominent media houses today are owned and led by people who have not formally studied journalism. This phenomenon goes beyond ownership to include newsroom leadership, editorial decision-making, reporting, and content creation roles.

This research project sets out to map the Nigerian newsroom, gathering insights about:

1. 1. Who are today’s journalists?
2. 2. What are their academic qualifications and professional backgrounds?
3. 3. How do they perceive their roles and responsibilities? and,
4. 4. What does the future of journalism in Nigeria look like in this rapidly evolving environment?

Methodology

We are using a quantitative research method through an online survey distributed via Qualtrics. The survey is open to anyone working in journalism-related roles in Nigeria, whether trained as a journalist or not.

Target responses: Minimum of 500 to 1,000 participants from across Nigeria.

Data collection period: June 10, 2025 — August 30, 2025.

Participate in the Survey

If you work in the Nigerian media industry — whether as a reporter, editor, producer, content creator, newsroom leader, or freelance journalist — we would love to hear from you.

👇 Click here to take the survey or scan the QR code below: