Crest FM Academy graduates 300 in four years, unveils fans club

, the training subsidiary of , has turned out more than 300 graduates since it began operations in 2021.

The academy announced the feat at its 2025 graduation ceremony held on Thursday in , where another set of trainees completed courses in broadcasting, media production, presentation, newsroom operations and digital content creation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman, Board of Directors, , , said the number of graduates underscored the organisation’s resolve to contribute to manpower development in Nigeria’s broadcast and creative sectors.

Adekanmbi said Crest FM, which has continued to widen its footprint in the South-West with the establishment of a station in , has prioritised practical, industry-oriented training designed to meet the changing demands of radio and digital media practice.

He urged the graduands to remain guided by professional standards, cautioning them against compromising journalistic values in the course of their careers.

"You must imbibe the ability to stand on your own. Today, many people operate on different online platforms and are doing well. You have heard about and welfare. Your practice after graduation must be anchored on truth.

"We need journalists who can uphold ethics and analytical policies, speak truth to power, and stand with the masses, who are most affected by government policies," Adekanmbi said.

The media executive also used the occasion to announce the inauguration of the , described as a platform that would bring together listeners and supporters for outreach activities, social engagements, training support and promotional programmes.

He said the initiative was aimed at encouraging youth involvement in broadcasting, fostering mentorship and strengthening the academy’s talent development drive.

A guest lecturer and seasoned broadcaster, Mrs Bisi Adanri, delivered a lecture titled, Navigating the Challenges of Misinformation Amidst the Prevalence of .

Adanri called for the strategic use of , not only for content creation but as a safeguard against misinformation and the spread of .

She emphasised the importance of deploying AI tools to enhance and improve the credibility of information disseminated to the public.

She explained that AI technologies could assist in detecting , uncovering and flagging misleading materials in real time.

Adanri warned that AI-driven misinformation was also affecting the education sector, noting that many students now find it difficult to separate credible information from the growing volume of AI-generated content.

"As a playwright and novelist, I know every story carries a moral compass. Theatre teaches that illusion can reveal truth, but deception must never masquerade as reality. In broadcasting, credibility is earned through consistency, accuracy, and accountability," she said.

She urged technology companies to take responsibility for properly labelling synthetic content, advocated collaboration among journalists, educators and technologists, and called for renewed investment in investigative journalism over .

In his remarks, the Group Chief Operating Officer of Cresthills Media, Mr , reiterated the organisation’s commitment to broadening the academy’s programmes, improving facilities and deepening partnerships across the media and creative industries.

Earlier, the pioneer Provost of Crest Media Academy and Head of Business Development, Ms , said the institution had enrolled, trained and graduated over 300 students since its inception nearly four years ago.

“So far, we have enrolled, graduated, and mentored over 300 students from the Crest Media Academy,” she said.

Dare added that the academy combines theoretical learning with rigorous studio practice, exposing trainees to live broadcasts, modern equipment and newsroom operations.

One of the graduands, , thanked the academy for providing practical training and boosting participants’ confidence, describing the programme as a strong platform for pursuing careers in media and communication.