LASU Scholars Warn Media Against Government Funding, Advocate Independent Financing
Two leading media scholars at Lagos State University (LASU) have cautioned Nigerian media organisations against depending on government funding, warning that such reliance could undermine press independence and weaken accountability.
The academics, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Jide Jimoh, and National President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria, Professor Rotimi Olatunji—made the call on Wednesday during the maiden edition of the Communication and Media Studies Seminar Series at LASU.
In their separate remarks, the scholars stressed that financial dependence on government institutions could compromise the media’s objectivity and its constitutional responsibility to hold public office holders accountable.
Jimoh argued that the watchdog role of the press would be severely weakened if media organisations relied on the same government they are expected to scrutinise.
“How would it be possible for the media to hold government accountable if it is the same body funding it?” he queried.
He also cautioned against excessive dependence on private individuals or organisations with vested interests, noting that such arrangements could equally erode editorial independence. Instead, he advocated funding models supported by credible institutions and foundations committed to the public good.
Echoing similar concerns, Olatunji urged media practitioners to prioritise societal interest over personal or institutional gains. He underscored the importance of “ethical altruism,” describing it as a guiding principle that places public interest above all else in journalism practice.
“If the goal is to transform society, the media must avoid reliance on government funding,” he said.
The seminar, organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, featured a lecture titled “How Media Narratives Shape Poverty and Policy in Nigeria.” The presentation was delivered by Dr. Olasunkanmi Arowolo of the Department of Journalism.
The lecture drew from Arowolo’s doctoral research, which examined the intersection of media framing, public policy, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
The event, hosted by LASU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, attracted students, researchers, and media professionals, and forms part of the faculty’s broader effort to stimulate discourse on communication, governance, and public policy.
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