By Fakorede King Abdulmajeed | Fuxma Media | November 20, 2025
The stadium was empty except for a handful of student journalists, huddled under the blistering afternoon sun. Cameras and notebooks in hand, they watched as the university football teams clashed on the dusty pitch, the echo of the referee’s whistle bouncing off the metal bleachers. Among them was Precious Ekpen, a second-year sports editor at the Kaduna State University, whose phone doubled as both camera and recorder. “Sometimes we have to cover matches with nothing more than a borrowed phone,” she said, wiping sweat from her brow. “Editing photos or writing match reports late at night is the norm, we do it because we love the game, not for the money.”
Across Nigeria, thousands of student journalists like Precious quietly document the heartbeat of campus sports. They chase stories of rising football stars, track basketball tournaments in makeshift gyms, and profile athletes who dream of Olympic glory often with almost no resources. Many borrow equipment, travel on foot, or rely on public transportation, spending their own money just to ensure the stories are told.
The passion is undeniable. These young reporters operate in the shadows, outside the glimmering lights of professional media houses. Yet, their work matters. Without their dedication, the stories of promising student athletes, the struggles, the triumphs, the raw human drama would vanish into obscurity. In universities across Lagos, Abuja, and other towns like Ibadan and Enugu, their presence is both vital and invisible.
It’s a world where determination outweighs budget, and creativity compensates for the lack of infrastructure. For many, the line between success and burnout is thin. Some student journalists skip meals to buy data for live reporting; others risk missing classes to cover distant tournaments. But the rewards are not monetary, they are the satisfaction of telling stories that would otherwise remain untold. This is the price of passion. It is a story of grit, innovation, and commitment, a story that reflects the realities of Nigerian campus sports journalism, and the lengths young reporters go to ensure the pulse of university athletics is never ignored.
Student journalism in Nigeria has a long and storied history, stretching back to the colonial era when university publications served as platforms for activism, debate, and cultural expression. Over the decades, campus newspapers and magazines evolved to cover academics, politics, and increasingly, sports. Today, student journalists are the eyes and ears of university athletics, documenting inter-campus tournaments, profiling athletes, and even uncovering systemic issues within sports programs.
Yet, despite their critical role, student sports journalists operate in a fragile ecosystem. Budgets are minimal or nonexistent. Many university media houses struggle to afford basic necessities: cameras, computers, editing software, and even printing costs for traditional outlets. Student reporters frequently rely on personal savings, borrowed equipment, or makeshift arrangements just to get a story out.
The challenges extend beyond finances. Many universities lack structured sports journalism programs, leaving students without formal mentorship or training. Lecturers in mass communication or media studies often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it difficult to guide student journalists in investigative reporting, feature writing, or ethical sports coverage.
Moreover, the disparity between urban and rural universities is stark. In cities like Lagos and Abuja, student journalists may have limited access to smartphones, internet, and training workshops. In smaller towns such as Enugu, Kogi, or Kaduna, basic infrastructure can be absent: fields without proper lighting, gyms without equipment, and no media rooms to work from. Despite these challenges, students persevere, driven by passion and a sense of purpose.
Across Africa, the situation is similar, though Nigeria stands out due to its large population, active university sports culture, and vibrant student media tradition. Organizations like NUGA (Nigeria University Games Association) offer opportunities for student journalists to cover multi-sport events, but participation is often contingent on personal initiative rather than institutional support. Through this lens, the resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of student journalists becomes apparent. From using smartphones as cameras to leveraging social media for live reporting, they continue to tell stories that matter, stories that would otherwise go untold, shaping both the future of Nigerian sports and the careers of young reporters themselves.
Daniel Iloba, who edits the sports section of his university Whatsapp channel in Kaduna, explains the financial strain: “Sometimes I spend my own money on transport to away matches. Printing costs for our magazine are also out-of-pocket. It’s exhausting, but it’s also fulfilling when a player thanks you for highlighting their achievements.”
Lecturers also acknowledge the challenges. Mr Solomon, a media studies lecturer at the National Open University of Nigeria, notes, “Student journalists are doing heroic work under extremely limited conditions. They often show creativity and professionalism beyond their years, but the lack of structured support can hinder the development of their talent.”
Others highlight the psychological toll. “You’re constantly balancing academics, reporting, and extracurricular responsibilities,” says Collins Obaro, a sports freelance journalist in Kakuri, Kaduna. “Missing a match or failing to meet a deadline can affect your grades or your credibility with athletes. It’s a pressure cooker.”
While passion drives student journalists across Nigeria, the challenges they face are relentless and multifaceted. Covering campus sports isn’t just about reporting scores, it’s about telling human stories, documenting the triumphs and struggles of young athletes, and holding institutions accountable. Yet, for many, the lack of resources makes even the simplest tasks daunting.
Many student reporters do not have access to professional cameras, laptops, or editing software. Smartphones are often the primary tool for photography, video, and reporting. Editing software is often out of reach. Paid programs like Adobe Premiere or Photoshop are expensive, and free alternatives don’t always meet professional standards. The result is student journalists producing work with limited polish, yet still striving for accuracy and storytelling impact.
Financial constraints are a recurring challenge. Travel to away matches, printing materials, and even small costs like photocopying or data bundles often fall on the student journalists themselves. Aminu Bello describes the struggle: “I once spent almost ₦5,000 out of my pocket to travel to a match in the City center. I had to choose between paying for food or paying for transport. I chose the story, it’s what drives me, but it’s not easy.”
Many universities lack basic infrastructure for sports media. Press boxes, dedicated media rooms, and proper lighting are rare. Sometimes, student journalists cover matches from the sidelines or crowded stands, making it difficult to get clear photographs, sound recordings, or meaningful interviews. In smaller towns or less-funded institutions, even transport to stadiums is a challenge. Students must navigate poor roads, delayed buses, or limited public transport to attend tournaments. These logistical difficulties often affect deadlines and reporting accuracy.
Being a student journalist is a delicate balancing act. Students must manage classes, assignments, and exams while meeting the demands of event coverage, interviews, and writing deadlines. Collins Obaro explains: “There were weeks when I had to cover three matches and submit reports while preparing for midterm exams. Missing one assignment could hurt my grades; missing one story could damage my credibility. It’s a constant pressure.” This balancing act often leads to burnout, sleep deprivation, and anxiety. Yet, student journalists persevere because of their commitment to the craft and the belief that their stories matter.
While student journalists may learn basic reporting in university courses, many never receive formal mentorship in sports journalism. Experienced media professionals are rarely available to guide them through investigative reporting, ethical dilemmas, or feature writing. Mr Solomon notes: “The lack of structured mentorship means students often learn by trial and error. Some produce amazing stories, while others struggle to meet professional standards not because of talent, but because of inadequate support.”
Access to high-speed internet, cloud storage, and online publication platforms is another major barrier. Uploading photos or videos from remote tournament locations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Limited data packages and slow connections often result in delayed coverage. Despite these hurdles, student journalists leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp to publish stories and connect with audiences. These workarounds demonstrate ingenuity, but they also highlight the systemic challenges young reporters face in producing high-quality sports coverage.
Numbers tell stories just as powerfully as words, and in the world of Nigerian student sports journalism, the statistics reveal a system under strain. Nigeria has over 200 universities, including federal, state, and private institutions. Yet, only about 40–50 universities have functional student newspapers or sports sections with consistent coverage. The majority of student journalists self-organize, forming ad-hoc teams to cover tournaments and athletic events. Even in universities with official publications, budget allocations for sports coverage rarely often insufficient to cover a full academic season of matches.
A survey conducted among Nigerian university student journalists indicates that only 18% have access to a professional camera, 12% have paid editing software, 10% have dedicated media rooms, and 25% have reliable high-speed internet. Yet 85% rely on personal smartphones for reporting. On average, student journalists spend ₦3,000–₦7,000 per event for transportation, food, and minor equipment, and often dedicate 10–15 hours per week to reporting duties during the sports season. Approximately 30–40% leave their roles before graduation due to burnout or financial strain, but those who remain acquire professional skills and often launch careers in media or sports administration.
The story of Nigerian student sports journalists is not just about statistics, budgets, or equipment shortages, it is about human determination, resilience, and the pursuit of storytelling against the odds. Every article written, every photograph captured, and every live report published carries the weight of countless unseen challenges. For students like Prescious Ekpen, Aminu Bello, and Collins Obaro, sports journalism is both a passion and a test of endurance. Their work shapes how athletes are perceived, how tournaments are remembered, and how university sports are documented for history. Yet, the personal cost is high: “There are nights I barely sleep because I’m editing photos, writing match reports, and preparing social media posts,” says Aminu. “Sometimes I miss meals, skip classes, or put my own health at risk. But seeing an athlete smile when I highlight their performance makes it worth it.”
The impact extends beyond journalists to the student athletes they cover. Many of these athletes come from underprivileged backgrounds, relying on university competitions to gain visibility and opportunities. Without student journalists, their achievements may go unnoticed, their stories untold. “I remember my first goal being scored in the Departmental tournament,” recalls Joseph Adariku, a striker at the Kaduna State University. “If it wasn’t for the student journalists, no one would have known. They make sure our efforts are seen, and that recognition motivates us to keep pushing.”
Being a student sports journalist teaches life skills beyond writing. From budget management to ethical decision-making, from negotiating with coaches to navigating university bureaucracy, these students acquire practical experience that prepares them for professional journalism careers. Even in the absence of structured training, they leave university equipped with real-world skills, resilience, and a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to handle high-pressure reporting environments.
The stories they tell ripple outward. Parents, students, and communities learn about talent, gender equity, and the realities of campus sports. Universities are occasionally held accountable for inadequate facilities or support. More broadly, student journalists contribute to Nigeria’s sports culture, fostering a generation that values documentation, professionalism, and storytelling. The human impact is profound: for journalists — growth, resilience, career readiness; for athletes — recognition, motivation, and potential opportunities; for society — awareness, accountability, and cultural preservation.
Despite the obstacles, Nigerian student sports journalists refuse to let challenges define their work. Many leverage smartphones for photography, video, and editing. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp serve as live publication channels, enabling stories to reach audiences instantly. Open-source editing tools like Canva, DaVinci Resolve, and Audacity allow students to produce polished content without expensive subscriptions, demonstrating resourcefulness under pressure.
Student journalists often form networks within and across universities, sharing resources, tips, and equipment. Inter-campus collaborations allow them to cover larger tournaments efficiently, splitting costs and responsibilities. These networks also provide informal mentorship, as experienced student journalists train newcomers, passing down knowledge and best practices.
Beyond reporting scores, many student journalists use their stories to advocate for better resources and recognition. Articles highlighting poor facilities, gender inequity, or lack of support have sometimes prompted university administrations to invest in media infrastructure, proving that well-told stories can lead to tangible change.
The skills acquired through this process, investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, time management, and problem-solving prepare students for careers in professional media, sports management, and international reporting. Some student journalists have gone on to work with national newspapers, sports networks, and online media platforms, transforming their passion into a profession.
The story of Nigerian student sports journalists is one of resilience, creativity, and hope. Even in the absence of robust resources, they innovate, collaborate, and leverage technology to ensure that athletes are recognized, stories are told, and their craft is honed. Their ingenuity is a testament to the human spirit behind sports journalism and offers lessons for media institutions, policymakers, and future student journalists across Africa.
The story of Nigerian student sports journalists is, at its core, a story of passion, resilience, and unyielding determination. Across the country, from bustling campuses in Lagos to smaller universities in Ibadan and Enugu, these young reporters overcome financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and intense academic pressures to ensure that the stories of student athletes are told. They are the bridge between talent and recognition, documenting achievements that might otherwise fade into obscurity. Each article written, each photograph captured, and each match report published is a testament to the human spirit, a demonstration that resource limitations cannot stifle creativity, dedication, or ambition.
In a country where resources are scarce but ambition is limitless, Nigerian student sports journalists stand as a beacon of perseverance, advocacy, and excellence, the unsung heroes who ensure that every goal, every match, and every athlete is seen, remembered, and celebrated.
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