OtownGist Media & Creative Hub has strengthened its role as a leading digital media training centre in Owerri with a hands-on industrial program for students of Imo State University (IMSU).
Delivered in partnership with Harsco Global, the one-week immersive program moved beyond theory, placing students inside a live media production environment.
Participants worked through real newsroom processes — from story development and scriptwriting to filming, editing, on-camera presentation, and content publishing.
Training sessions were led by industry professionals, including broadcast journalist Chidera Ujah, with strategic oversight and mentorship provided by media entrepreneur Chinedu Hardy Nwadike.
According to facilitators, the program was designed to address a major gap in Nigeria’s media ecosystem — the disconnect between academic learning and industry readiness.
“This is not just about learning journalism; it’s about understanding how media works in real time,” a facilitator noted.
A key feature of the training is its focus on AI-assisted journalism, digital storytelling, and modern content production — aligning with global shifts in how news is created and distributed.
Participants are currently working in teams to produce impact-driven video stories addressing real societal issues, applying both technical and editorial skills developed during the program.
Industry observers say initiatives like this are increasingly critical, as media organizations now prioritize graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also hands-on, adaptable, and production-ready.
With a growing footprint in digital media training and content innovation, OtownGist is positioning itself as a central hub for media development in Owerri and across Imo State.
As the media landscape evolves, programs like this signal a shift toward experiential learning — where students don’t just study journalism, but actively practice it.
