Professor Lai Oso, a lecturer at the University of Lagos has said that the evolution of information and communications technologies (ICTs), computer and convergence are critical trend that must not be neglected by the present day Nigerian journalists.
Oso who spoke at the Microsoft (Nigeria) and Ha-Shem Network Services capacity development training programme for IT journalists in Nigeria Thursday in Lagos said that the arrival of information technologies has changed the mass communication landscape, and news reporting in particular, by ditching the traditional channels and tools of operation.
He maintained that mobile technologies and other communications gadgets in the hands of the audience makes the works of the trained journalist more challenges hence he must capture the “new behind the facts” to update the techie savvy readers and viewers alike.
“There is also audience convergence, where they discuss stories published online or printed out. It beholds on the reporter to outsmart them by critically analyzing data and facts as they emerge,” he added.
He encouraged the participants to acquire multiple skills to remain relevant and active in the ever dynamic field.
Also speaking, Abiodun Ogunjobi, marketing manager, Ha-Shem Network Services Limited, who described the training as timely, added that present day journalist in as much as he is bombarded with numerous data, must cross-check facts and figures to educate his audience and to avoid libel related matters.
He advised practitioners to make use of various channels and websites that are rampant and ridden with educational material to update their knowledge in the field hence they are flag bearers in educating others in various fields.
The training offered the participants to learn more about big data, cloud computing, social media, among other topics.
Speaking, specifically on Cloud Computing, Bamikole Ajayi, partner technology advisor, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, said that with cloud solutions companies can improve their efficiency which can further result in saving 80% the cost of managing IT hardware.
According to him, cloud platforms are credible ways to ensure interoperability with on-premise infrastructure and legacy operating systems.
He added that virtual machines can be moved between both platforms with unimaginable ease at any point in time. And Microsoft is moving the trend in ensuring that companies meet their data security and storage needs in the contemporary with seamless cloud solutions.