By Sonny Iroche
Recent comments suggesting that one must hold a journalism degree to practice the profession are mistaken. Journalism is fundamentally a skill-based field where critical thinking, analytical rigor and high ethical standards matter far more than any particular diploma . In fact, journalism long predates formal academic programs – the first university degree in the field was only awarded in 1909 – and no professional body licenses journalists. As media scholar Farooq Kperogi observes, formal training “has never been disqualifying in the history of journalism” . In other words, anyone with the talent and dedication can be a journalist, regardless of their major . What truly defines good journalism is demonstrated ability: accuracy, insight, persistence and respect for truth.
Notable Journalists Without Journalism Degrees
Many respected journalists and broadcasters did not study journalism in college. For example:
• Martine Croxall (BBC News) holds a degree in Geography from the University of Leeds – not journalism .
• Peter Jennings (longtime ABC World News Tonight anchor) never finished high school, yet became one of America’s top news presenters .
• Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) earned a BA in Public Policy at Stanford and a DPhil in Politics at Oxford – neither in journalism .
In Nigeria likewise, many top media figures have unrelated educational backgrounds:
• The late Dele Giwa, co‑founder of Newswatch, earned a BA in English .
• Adesuwa Onyenokwe, a veteran TV host and publisher, holds degrees in Drama and Language Arts .
• (Similarly, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu pursued studies in business/management before a career in media.)
These professionals built distinguished careers on their skills. They demonstrate that success in journalism comes from preparation and practice, not the title on one’s degree.
Rufai Oseni’s Background and Record
By the same principle, Rufai Oseni’s academic major does not negate his credentials. He studied Animal Anatomy & Physiology (a life-sciences field) at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – a fact some critics have seized on. In reality, Mr. Oseni’s performance on air speaks for itself. He hosts a prime‐time Arise TV program that is widely viewed and respected, and he is “noted for asking tough questions” to his guests . His incisive interviews and clear analysis have won him multiple awards (e.g. “Most Engaging Journalist on Social Media” and “Most Courageous TV Host” ). These accomplishments reflect his journalistic skills – not the subject of his degree.
Conclusion
We reiterate confidently that formal coursework in journalism, while useful, is neither necessary nor sufficient to make someone a journalist. The profession prizes curiosity, objectivity and integrity above all else. As noted above, anyone can enter journalism if they demonstrate those qualities . Rufai Oseni has proven himself on the merits of his work, and his educational background in Animal Sciences does not detract from his qualifications. We invite the public to judge him – and any journalist – by the quality of their reporting, analysis and ethical conduct , not by their college major.
Authoritative journalism studies and biographies confirm that many top journalists never studied journalism formally , and that the field values critical-thinking.
NB:Sonny Iroche is a 2022-2023 Senior Academic Fellow. Africa Studies Centre, University of Oxford. Holds a Bsc degree in Zoology, a Masters in Business Administration and a Post Graduate Degree in Artificial Intelligence
