The Nigerian Institute of Journalism Alumni Association (NIJAA) has congratulated the Director of News at Television Continental (TVC), Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, following the conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt. Honoris Causa) on him by the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State.
The honorary degree was conferred on Saturday, 14 November 2026, during the universityโs 10th Convocation Ceremony at its Felele Campus in Lokoja, in recognition of his contributions to journalism and more than three decades of service to the media industry and society.
In a congratulatory statement, NIJAA described the recognition as a significant milestone in Kolade-Otitojuโs professional career, noting that his achievements reflected the value of dedication, professional excellence and service to society.
Kolade-Otitoju began his journalism career with The Democrat newspaper in 1991 before joining TheNEWS as a pioneer staff member in 1993. He later served as Editor of PMNEWS and TheNEWS magazine before moving into broadcast journalism at Television Continental.
As TVCโs Director of News and anchor of the stationโs flagship current affairs programme, Journalistsโ Hangout, he has remained an influential participant in public affairs discourse.
His career spans print and broadcast journalism, with notable contributions to investigative reporting, editorial leadership and coverage of issues of national importance.
NIJAA said the award was not only a personal achievement for Kolade-Otitoju but also a source of encouragement to members of the journalism profession, particularly younger practitioners seeking to build careers grounded in professionalism and public service.
The association also commended his reported commitment to supporting journalism education at the Federal University Lokoja.
Following the conferment, Kolade-Otitoju reportedly pledged to mobilise support for the establishment of a Mass Communication Centre at the university. He also announced a โฆ500,000 reward for the institutionโs best graduating Mass Communication student.
NIJAA described the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to nurturing emerging media professionals and contributing to the development of journalism education.
The association congratulated Kolade-Otitoju on the honour, expressing the hope that the recognition would inspire further contributions to journalism, media development, education and nation-building.
It reaffirmed its pride in his achievements, describing his career as a source of inspiration to members of the association and the wider journalism community.
The associationโs message concluded with its motto: โNIJAA โ From Nostalgia to Impact. From Reunions to Results.โ
