Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, pledged to support the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zaria Unit with training opportunities aimed at enhancing the skills and professionalism of reporters covering the institution and its environs.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ahmed Adamu made the commitment on Thursday while hosting the NUJ Zaria Unit executive members at the university. He urged the union to formally submit its specific training needs to enable the university to make proper arrangements and secure approval.

Describing journalists as strategic partners, Adamu encouraged them to intensify coverage of the university’s achievements, noting that its improved global ranking and the N500 million JAMB Mega Prize it recently received had not been adequately publicised.

“We value the role of the press and want to strengthen our collaboration. There is so much we have achieved that deserves wider dissemination,” the VC said.

Earlier, NUJ Zaria Unit Chairman, Malam Sagir Awwal, commended ABU for its academic excellence and outstanding contributions to national development. He highlighted the existing cordial relationship between the institution and journalists in Zaria, expressing optimism for deeper collaboration.

Awwal also underscored the importance of regular training and retraining for media professionals, calling on ABU to organise routine skill-upgrading programmes to help journalists deliver more impactful reportage.

“This visit is to foster the long-standing ties between the university and the union with a view to improving its coverage,” he said, assuring the university of the union’s commitment to promoting its academic activities.