MCDN Report Exposes Career Struggles of Nigerian Journalists, Calls for Mentorship and Welfare Reforms

The Media Career Development Network (MCDN) has unveiled its Media Career Check-Up Report 2025, which sheds light on the pressing challenges confronting Nigerian journalists.

The report, based on personalized assessments of practitioners across different beats and media platforms, identified mentorship gaps, weak career planning, poor work-life balance, and inadequate welfare as major barriers to professional growth. It also flagged deficiencies in digital skills and leadership development as critical hurdles in the industry.

MCDN’s Executive Director, Lekan Otufodunrin, explained that the report—titled “Media Career Check-Up 2025: Lessons, Gaps, and Growth Paths for Nigerian Journalists”—was created to encourage journalists to reflect on their career journeys and adopt strategies to thrive.

“Just as regular health check-ups keep people healthy, journalists also need career check-ups to reflect, adjust, and grow in their profession. This report captures their struggles and aspirations while offering practical recommendations for growth,” Otufodunrin said in a statement on Tuesday.

Among its key findings, the study revealed that young reporters struggle most with the absence of structured mentorship and the challenge of balancing demanding newsroom schedules with personal well-being. It also stressed the importance of continuous professional development to keep pace with rapid digital changes.

Beyond individual careers, the report urged newsroom leaders and media support organisations to strengthen the media ecosystem by investing in mentorship, expanding training opportunities, and enacting supportive welfare policies.

To push its recommendations, MCDN announced plans to engage editors and newsroom managers nationwide in targeted briefings.

Since its establishment, MCDN has positioned itself as an advocacy and support platform for journalists through mentorship schemes, workshops, and advisory sessions. Previous initiatives have focused on newsroom sustainability, digital transformation, and early-career welfare.