ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM ON NIGERIAN POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS. (A SURVEY OF AKWA IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS)

This research examines the influence of campus journalism on Nigerian polytechnic students, with Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic as the case study. The study aims to know the level of campus journalism awareness and participation among students in the institution, assess the capacity of students involved in campus journalism, evaluate its impact on developing writing and communication skills, and determine its role in promoting freedom of expression and speech among students. The study adopts a survey method, collecting data from 290 respondents, including writers, editors, photographers, readers, and other participants in campus journalism. Findings reveal that the majority of respondents (29.3%) actively engage as writers or journalists, while 27.6% participate as readers, showcasing diverse levels of involvement in campus journalism. Additionally, 75.9% of respondents agree that campus journalism significantly enhances writing and communication skills, emphasizing its educational and professional benefits. Furthermore, 82.7% of participants believe that campus journalism fosters freedom of expression and speech, underlining its critical role in empowering students to voice their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions. The study concludes that campus journalism is a vital tool for personal development, offering students opportunities to refine essential skills and contribute to a culture of free expression within the academic environment. It recommends the provision of more resources, training, and institutional support to further enhance the effectiveness of campus journalism and ensure its sustainability.