40+ YEARS IN JOURNALISM
Executive Director, Media Career Development Network | Former Managing Editor, The Nation Newspapers | Mentor to Hundreds of Nigerian Journalists
BYLINE
Highlights from four decades of journalism, editing, and media leadership
A personal reflection on my journey from Imagbon village to journalism leadership
Read on The Nation →
Key insights from decades in Nigeria's newsrooms
Read on Medium →
Reflections on ethics, digital transformation, and nation-building through media
Read Article →
A defining moment in my career as Editor, Nation on Sunday
Read Interview →
Discussing key media issues and my career journey
Listen Now →THE PROFILE
Lekan Otufodunrin is a veteran Nigerian journalist with over 40 years of experience in the media industry, spanning reporting, editing, teaching, publishing, and media leadership across six industries. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network (MCDN), a Lagos-based organisation that provides mentoring, coaching, and training for journalists across Nigeria.
A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (1985), he began his career at The Punch Newspapers in 1987 as Ogun State Correspondent, rising over 12 years to Group News Editor while covering some of the most consequential political stories of the era. In 1999 he joined The Nation Newspapers as pioneer Sunday Editor, later leading the paper's digital transformation as Editor, Online, and ultimately serving as Managing Editor, Online and Special Publications until his retirement in December 2018 — a 19-year tenure that shaped a generation of Nigerian digital journalism.
A fellow of the Thomson Foundation (Cardiff, UK), the Poynter Institute (Florida, USA), and the Bloomberg Africa Media Fellowship, Lekan has carried that global training back into Nigerian newsrooms and classrooms — today teaching as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
What anyone who wants to succeed in this profession truly needs is passion, interest, knowledge of the job, and the necessary skills.
Colleagues have long called him the Gentleman Editor and Editor Alanu — the Compassionate Editor — nicknames he wears with pride, guided by a simple philosophy: Give to Gain. Beyond the newsroom, he is President of Journalists For Christ International Outreach (founded 1998), Secretary of the Africa Region for the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC), and a Trustee of Media Associates International (MAI-Africa) — leadership roles that have carried his work into partnerships across the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Italy, and Kenya.
Contact Me →THE TIMELINE
Four decades shaping Nigerian journalism, one milestone at a time
Earns his Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication after serving as President of the Mass Communication Students Association and News Editor of UNILAG SUN.
Begins a 12-year rise from state correspondent to Group News Editor, covering national politics through the Babangida era.
Establishes JFC International Outreach to integrate Christian faith with journalism practice, the same year he trains in Advanced Journalism in Cardiff, UK.
Joins The Nation Newspapers to launch its Sunday edition, beginning a 19-year tenure at one of Nigeria's leading dailies.
Leads The Nation's digital transformation, overseeing online platforms and multimedia projects until his retirement in December 2018.
Launches the Media Career Development Network and takes up Adjunct Lecturer roles at UNILAG and YABATECH, alongside his existing post at NIJ.
Releases "UNLOCKED: Writings from COVID-19 Lockdown," a collection of reflections from the pandemic period.
Former colleagues launch the inaugural Lekan Otufodunrin Campus Journalists Award on his 57th birthday, drawing 61 entries from student journalists nationwide.
MCDN's flagship programme, supported by Nigeria LNG, delivers personalised career guidance to journalists nationwide at every career stage.
THE BIBLIOGRAPHY
Six books distilled from four decades in journalism — tap any cover to read or get the book
A media career development guide drawing on decades of newsroom experience to help journalists pursue excellence and professionalism. Foreword by Femi Adesina.
Get the Book →
Compiled from a decade of his STOP PRESS newsletter, this career-moulding guide has shaped a generation of young Nigerian journalists.
Get the Book →
How to fulfil your purpose in journalism — guidance for finding meaning and direction in a media career.
Get the Book →
A memoir chronicling his 40+ year journalism career — from The Punch to The Nation — with the personal experiences and lessons learned along the way.
More Info →
A handbook for Mass Communication students, guiding the transition from classroom theory to real newsroom practice.
Read the Book →
A collection of reflections written during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, capturing a defining moment through a journalist's eye.
Read the Book →THE HONOURS
A 40+ year career marked by fellowships, honours, and recognitions — including a legacy significant enough that multiple awards now carry his name
Founded in 2021 by former junior colleagues on his 57th birthday, honouring outstanding student journalists nationwide. The inaugural edition drew 61 entries from across Nigeria.
Presented annually by the Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals (AFYMP) as part of its yearly media fellowships, recognising his contributions to campus journalism development.
Honoured in 2018 by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) for his contributions to journalism development in Nigeria.
Profiled by PUNCH Newspapers as one of 13 leading journalists and mentors shaping the industry's next chapter.
Selected for advanced journalism training in Cardiff, United Kingdom (1998) — one of international journalism's most competitive professional fellowships.
Selected for a leadership and journalism excellence fellowship at the Poynter Institute, Florida, USA — a global benchmark for newsroom leadership training.
Selected for a continent-wide fellowship recognising media leadership across Africa.
THE OUTREACH
Board and leadership roles spanning faith, media ethics, and career development
Journalists For Christ International Outreach — founded 1998, 28 years of integrating faith with journalism practice.
World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) — a member since 1987, now leading regional advocacy for media literacy and digital justice.
Media Associates International (MAI-Africa) — board member supporting train-the-trainer workshops across the continent, including Nairobi, Kenya.
Media Career Development Network (MCDN) — founded 2019, Nigeria's leading media career development organisation.
THE ORGANISATION
As Executive Director of MCDN, Lekan leads Nigeria's leading media career development organization, providing free training, mentoring, and coaching to journalists at all career stages.
Media Career Fix cohort — supported by Nigeria LNG
SELECTED WRITING
Commentary, reflection, and media-development writing spanning Nigerian and international platforms, 2014–2026
An early published commentary on discipline and education in Nigerian schools.
Read Article →A reflective piece linking journalism, purpose, professional identity, and faith.
Read Article →A practical response to the economic realities faced by journalists, focused on resilience and ethical career options.
Read on Medium →A reflection on teaching, professional preparation, and the value of education for Mass Communication students.
Read Article →A social-impact piece examining reporting on internally displaced persons and the need for dignity, visibility, and better representation.
Read Article →A guide to the merit and strategic factors journalists should understand when applying for fellowships, awards, grants, and conferences.
Read Article →A current professional-development series for aspiring and practising media professionals building sustainable careers.
Read on LinkedIn →For his full author archive
THE MASTHEAD
For speaking engagements, media inquiries, consulting, or mentoring opportunities, reach out below.
