Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho, a student of Political Science Education at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, entered the world of journalism not through formal training, but through a deep love for storytelling, an unyielding pursuit of truth, and a firm belief in the power of the written word.
For three years, Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho poured his heart into journalism – writing, reporting, applying for the Campus Journalism Awards, and facing rejection after rejection.
But in 2024, everything changed. Standing on stage as He was named Best Reporter of the Year, Oluwatoyin wasn’t just celebrating a win—he was living proof that commitment, passion, and purpose can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
From a quiet start as a content writer to risking his safety to expose corruption, his journey is a
reminder that journalism isn’t reserved for those with perfect credentials—it belongs to those brave enough to chase the truth.
Can you tell us about yourself and your journey leading up to this award?
My name is Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho, a graduate of Biga College of Education, Sokoto State, where I studied English Language and Islamic Studies. I am currently a 200-level student of Political Science Education at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, and a journalist based in Nigeria. I am known for my passionate and versatile communication style, with a keen interest in investigation, press freedom, education, fact-checking, and climate change. With a solid background in English and Islamic Studies, I remain deeply committed to journalism and education.
How has winning this award impacted your perspective or career aspirations?
Becoming a student journalist in Nigeria has been one of the most significant steps I’ve taken. Once I understood the value of journalism, my passion for the profession pushed me to keep learning and navigating its challenges. While some students may view journalism as a narrow field meant only for a select few, I believe it is for anyone with passion and commitment. However, passion alone is not enough—without consistent learning and dedication, one can easily drift away from their chosen path. Journalism is not a field where you stop learning after acquiring the basics; it’s a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and relearning every single day.
However, seeing myself at the CJA event, winning Best Reporter of the Year, was a moment I had only dreamed of. In fact, 2024 marked my third year applying for the Campus Journalism Awards, and I had never been shortlisted before. I used to focus mostly on opinion pieces, which I thought might have limited my chances. Yet I never let the setbacks discourage me. I kept writing, kept applying, and kept growing. This year, I finally made the finalists’ list and went on to win Best Reporter of the Year. It was both overwhelming and surprising, but I recognized it as God’s grace—an opportunity to shine, network, gain exposure, and validate my efforts in journalism.
Initially, I never imagined winning any awards, especially because I’m not a journalism student—just a lover of writing. I began my journey as a content and creative writer, and later transitioned into reporting. I owe a great deal of my growth to Confidence News Nigeria, which gave me the platform to develop my skills. This award now serves as a roadmap and motivation, reinforcing my belief that I have meaningful stories to tell. Since winning, I’ve received new opportunities and gigs that had previously been out of reach. I’m truly grateful for this recognition—it has opened doors for me.
What’s your process for ensuring accuracy and timeliness in your reporting?
In my work, I’ve collaborated with people who have tight schedules and require every piece to be fact-checked thoroughly. One thing about me is that I never delay when I have access to all the information I need. Journalism demands accuracy and timeliness, especially when covering stories that need to go live quickly to maintain relevance. Some stories lose their impact if not published on time, so I always prioritize getting the facts right and delivering promptly.
Can you share a challenging story you’ve covered and how you navigated it?
As a journalist, I’ve faced several challenges, particularly when covering sensitive stories. One such instance involved investigating a police station’s alleged collecting money community people. I conducted in-depth research, interviewed multiple sources, and gathered evidence. After publishing the report, the police began looking for me, questioning why I had released the story. I had to act quickly to protect myself, seeking guidance from my editor. While he refused to take the story down—emphasizing the importance of exposing the truth—I knew I needed to take precautions. I temporarily left Kwara State to ensure my safety. Eventually, the situation calmed down, and I was able to return.
How do you handle pressure when breaking news situations arise?
This experience taught me the importance of being prepared for potential backlash and highlighted the critical role editors and media organizations play in protecting journalists. Despite these risks, I remain committed to investigative journalism because it holds power to account and serves the public good.
Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho’s journey shows that you don’t need a perfect background to succeed—just passion, hard work, and the courage to keep going, even when things get tough. His story reminds us that dreams do come true when you stay true to yourself and never give up.
