ON Sunday, August 23, 2026, alumni of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, the UK, US, Japan and Australia converged virtually to witness a new era as Muyiwa Akintunde was elected as National President of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association, NIJAA.
In an acceptance speech laced with humility, gratitude and a clear roadmap, Akintunde told the 657-member association that his tenure would be defined by one goal: moving “from nostalgia to impact, from reunions to results.”
Akintunde’s first words were not about himself, but about those who came before him.
He congratulated the Caretaker Committee led by Mr. Matthew Idowu for what he called “onerous achievements” in the last six months.
“The Chairman and all the members of the committee rendered a yeoman service to deliver a strong association for my team and I to build on,” he said.
He also commended the Election Subcommittee under Dr. Adeboye Ola, stating that the process was conducted with a level of transparency “that even the Independent National Electoral Commission will envy.”
Special recognition went to the immediate past President, Dr. Olusanya Awosan. “I acknowledge… your team for laying the foundation on which successive leadership teams are building. Your efforts have not been in vain.”
Of the 657 members on the NIJAA platform, 197 voted. Akintunde did not ignore the number.
“Election is not only about winning but also about participation in the process,” he noted, while thanking members for the confidence placed in him and the new National Executive Council.
In a gesture of inclusion, he recognized his fellow contestants: Benjamin Oluwaseun Sanni and Ayodeji Ake, who ran for National Publicity Secretary and Organising Secretary.
“Yes, you did not breast the tape, but you’re winners in the fact that you stepped out to be counted. Be assured that the promises you made to the electorate will be considered for possible execution by the new leadership.”
“I accept this responsibility as your National President with full awareness of its weight, and with total commitment to serve,” Akintunde affirmed.
The new president took us down to the memory lane. Since full academic and professional training began at NIJ in Lagos in 1971, the institution has produced the best in journalism, PR, advertising, broadcasting and allied fields.
“Our alumni are media owners, editors, Directors Generals, professors, entrepreneurs, storytellers, etc shaping diverse sectors in Nigeria and in the Diaspora,” he said.
“NIJ gave us more than a certificate. It gave us a voice. It gave us discipline. It gave us the courage to speak truth to power. It is now our turn to give back.”
Akintunde unveiled the foundation of his administration, built on three pillars:
1. A Leadership That Listens: He promised open channels through town halls, surveys, and chapter consultations.
“No decision about you will be made without you in mind. Every set, every chapter, every generation will have a seat at the table through representation at the various administrative structures of our association.”
2. Welfare and Opportunities for Members: The NEC will focus on jobs, training, mentorship and welfare. A key initiative is the “Hire an NIJ Alumni” campaign, which will partner with media houses, PR firms, and corporate organizations to prioritize NIJ graduates.
3. Strengthening NIJ and Our Image: The association will give back to the school through infrastructure support, scholarships, and advocacy. It will also defend the dignity and professionalism of NIJ-trained journalists “wherever they are.”
Akintunde’s final charge was to the global NIJAA family.
“To the chapters in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Japan, Australia and everywhere: you are not on the sidelines. You are indeed the engine of NIJAA, going forward.”
He closed with an open-door promise: “And to every alumnus reading this: this is YOUR NIJAA. My door is open. My phone will be on. My team and I will work for you.”
He ended with his administration’s slogan: *”Your Voice. Your NIJAA. Our Future”* and prayers: “God bless the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. God bless Nigeria.”
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