A Professor of Mass Communication at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Nura Ibrahim, has urged online journalists to prioritise responsible engagement and respect for privacy in the discharge of their professional duties.
Prof. Ibrahim made the call while presenting a paper at a two-day retreat organised for members of the Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
The retreat, sponsored by the Kano State Government through the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, brought together online journalists to strengthen their professional capacity under the theme, “Strengthening Digital Journalism Through Ethical Practice and Responsible Online Engagement.”
Speaking during his presentation, the professor from the Department of Information and Media Studies, Faculty of Communication, Bayero University Kano, stressed the need for balance in reportage and cautioned journalists against the use of inflammatory language.
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He also urged practitioners to promote inclusivity, uphold cultural and religious sensitivity, avoid incitement, and ensure proper verification of facts before publication. According to him, correcting errors promptly and updating content where necessary are essential to maintaining public trust.
Prof. Ibrahim further encouraged online journalists to actively combat misinformation by explaining issues accurately, providing credible sources, and avoiding the spread of rumours. He also advised the adoption of language optimisation tools alongside responsible search engine optimisation (SEO) practices to enhance credibility and reach without compromising ethical standards.