Beyond the degree: Entry criteria and the influence of journalism education in Nigerian news organizations’ hiring practices

This study examines the criteria that Nigerian news organizations prioritize when hiring reporters and the role of journalism education in this process. Drawing on 21 interviews with newsroom editors and 70 job advertisements, the analysis distinguishes between core “ultimate criteria” shared across organizations and more flexible “adaptable criteria” that reflect organizational and individual editors’ priorities. Framed within boundary work and gatekeeping theories, the study examines how hiring serves as a central site for regulating entry into the profession and reinforcing professional norms and values. The findings highlight the persistent gap between journalism education and industry expectations and carry important implications for policy, particularly regarding proposals to mandate journalism degrees for employment. By offering insights from an understudied context, this research advances understanding of newsroom hiring practices, the negotiation of professional boundaries, and the alignment of journalism education with industry needs in Nigeria.