By Shamsiya Isah

The Nigeria Institute of Journalism’s lecture room transformed into a vibrant newsroom recently as Francis Onwochei, the celebrated Nollywood actor and filmmaker, turned a routine guest lecture into a dynamic crash course on entertainment reporting. On 13 January, 2026, students witnessed firsthand how industry expertise could reshape their approach to journalism.

As the clock struck 10:15 AM, Onwochei discarded the traditional lecture format, opting instead for what he called “a reporter’s boot camp.” He moved through the aisles, firing questions at random students about their favorite Nollywood films, then dissecting their answers to reveal gaps in industry knowledge. “You can’t report what you don’t understand,” he declared, pausing to share behind-the-scenes stories from his collaborations with icons like Dr. Bayo Oduneye, Mr. Bassey Effiong, Dr Barclays Ayakoroma and Segun Arinze.

The session became increasingly interactive as Onwochei demonstrated interview techniques, alternating between playing the difficult celebrity subject and the unprepared reporter. His dramatic shifts between personas left the class both entertained and enlightened, particularly when he reenacted common reporting pitfalls using actual student volunteers.

What began as polite note-taking evolved into vigorous debate as Onwochei challenged conventional entertainment reporting practices. He emphasized the importance of contextualizing celebrity work within Nigeria’s broader cultural landscape, urging students to move beyond surface-level coverage. “The real story isn’t just who won an award,” he explained, “but what that recognition means for our industry’s evolution.”

As the hour concluded, hands shot up across the room with thoughtful questions about media ethics and career-building strategies. The Q&A session stretched beyond its allotted time, with students seeking advice on everything from building sources to maintaining objectivity. Finally, as notebooks closed and phones emerged for photos, the lecture officially transitioned to its final act – the autograph session, where starstruck smiles finally broke through the afternoon’s professional intensity.

(Other members of Group 4: Omolola Omoshola, Aghabie Peace, Marcus Joshua and Akinola Israel)