MEDIA and IMT Enugu Launch Local News & Digital Lab to Revitalize Grassroots Journalism in Nigeria
Enugu, Nigeria – July 13, 2025 — Media Education Development Initiatives Africa (MEDIA), in partnership with the Department of Mass Communications at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has officially launched the Local News & Digital Lab, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming local journalism and empowering the next generation of media professionals in Nigeria.
The Local News & Digital Lab is a direct response to the erosion of local journalism and the growing need for data-driven, community-centered reporting. The initiative seeks to amplify grassroots voices, promote transparency, and foster democratic accountability through cutting-edge tools and training in digital journalism.
“Our mission is to build and share knowledge in journalism and media studies, strengthen public interest journalism, and train professionals equipped to influence socially relevant media practices with conceptual and methodological rigor,” said a spokesperson for MEDIA.
The Lab, housed within IMT’s Department of Mass Communications, will be equipped with:
100 computers
20 smart television screens
ENG cameras, microphones, and audio consoles
Facilities for podcasting, content creation, and AI training
This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for:
Training students, faculty, and journalists in data journalism and digital storytelling
Producing localized, fact-based stories that spotlight community issues and governance
Publishing an annual report on the state of local news in Nigeria
Fostering cross-disciplinary research and international academic collaboration
MEDIA expressed deep appreciation to Professor Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of IMT, for his visionary leadership in supporting the establishment of the Lab. The initiative underscores both organizations’ commitment to citizen empowerment, institutional transparency, and inclusive development.
The Lab will also serve as a platform for public opinion research, technology policy innovation, and thought leadership in journalism education. By leveraging MEDIA’s international partnerships and the combined 200 years of experience of its advisory council, the Lab is poised to become a model for sustainable, community-driven journalism across Africa.
“A local news lab at IMT that produced notable journalists in Nigeria will help to truly democratize the information sphere, thereby giving voices to the voiceless, safeguarding democracy, and preserving the legacy of IMT,” the statement added.
MEDIA is calling on stakeholders, development partners, and the broader media ecosystem to support this transformative project and help build a culture of accountability and civic engagement at all levels.