NEPTUNE Prime Network Nigeria Limited has unveiled the Neptune Prime Institute of Journalism (NPIJ), marking a significant step in its commitment to strengthening journalism education and developing skilled media professionals in Nigeria.
The institute has also announced that applications will soon open for its September 2026 admission, with prospective students able to obtain application forms through the institute’s official website.
Founded by veteran journalist, publisher, and media entrepreneur, Dr Hassan Gimba, ANIPR, who serves as the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Neptune Prime Network Nigeria Limited, the institute is designed to nurture individuals with a passion for journalism, storytelling, content creation, and media practice.
The Neptune Prime Institute of Journalism aims to provide practical, industry-oriented training that equips students with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving media environment.
The institute will offer four programmes for its inaugural intake:
Diploma in Journalism & Media Studies
Certificate in Mass Communication & Media Practice
Certificate in Content Creation (English Language)
Certificate in Content Creation (Hausa Language)
According to the institute, the programmes have been carefully structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing participants to become competent journalists, media practitioners, and digital content creators capable of meeting industry demands.
To ensure high academic and professional standards, NPIJ has assembled an experienced governing board comprising distinguished journalists, communication experts, academics, legal practitioners, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.
The board is chaired by the institute’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Dr Hassan Gimba, an award-winning journalist, public affairs commentator, author, and online publisher. Throughout his career, Dr Gimba has written more than 1,000 articles, focusing largely on politics, governance, and security issues.
Serving as Chairman of the Advisory Board is Garba Mamu, a veteran journalist and communications expert who previously served as General Manager and later Executive Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He also served on the Board of the News Agency of Nigeria between 2009 and 2011.
The institute’s leadership also includes Shu’aibu Usman Leman as Vice Chairman I. A veteran journalist, media administrator, and researcher, Leman is a former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) with more than three decades of professional experience.
Shettima Bukar Imam, Vice Chairman II, previously served as General Manager of Maiduguri Monday Market and as Depot Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Kaduna. He currently serves as Executive Vice Chairman of Cleanergy Innovation Ltd.
Vice Chairman III is Suleiman Gimba Hassan, Esq., an Abuja-based lawyer, legislative advocate, entrepreneur, and Managing Director of BoldBrick Smart Homes, whose interests span governance, innovation, and community development.
Academic and curriculum development will be supported by Dr Rachael O. Ojeka-John, a lecturer, communication researcher, and media educator with expertise in journalism, strategic communication, and health communication.
Other members of the advisory board include Danlami R. Nmodu, mni, founder and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newsdiaryonline and current President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP); Dr Saleh Mari Maina, an accomplished journalist, editor, and university lecturer with over 30 years of professional experience; and Halima Abdulrauf, an international multimedia journalist and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of S24 Media Services.
The institute’s academic operations will also be supported by Gift Luckson, who serves as Deputy Coordinator, Academics. A respected Nigerian journalist and writer, Luckson is recognised for her reporting on politics, international affairs, social issues, and human-interest stories.
Administrative leadership will be provided by Aminu Abubakar Sadiq, Acting Registrar, a retired Assistant Director in the Federal Civil Service with extensive experience in public administration. He will be assisted by Lilian Hosea, Assistant Registrar I, an experienced educator and administrator, and Tawheed Yakub, Assistant Registrar II, a journalist, editor, and media communications professional.
Additional members of the governing board include Charles Onunaiju, scholar, journalist, author, and noted commentator on China-Africa relations; Mohammed Salisu Adamu, businessman and former Nigeria Customs Service officer; Engr. Aminu Abubakar Yabo, a telecommunications engineer and leadership expert with a PhD in Leadership and Management; Amina Musa Kida, a legal professional with experience spanning banking, management, and international relations; and Jamila Muhammad Kolo, Deputy Coordinator, Administration, whose career covers education administration, corporate leadership, strategic management, marketing, and business development.
The institute said its vision is centred on delivering quality journalism education while fostering excellence in learning, professional ethics, innovation, and practical media training.
Prospective applicants interested in joining the September 2026 cohort are encouraged to submit their applications through the institute’s official website as admissions commence.
