Arise Anchor Rufai Oseni Embarrassed Over His Degree, ‘You’re Not One of Us’ – Lere Olayinka

A heated clash between Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Relations and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has triggered massive debate online about who truly qualifies to be called a journalist in Nigeria.

The confrontation unfolded during a public discourse where Olayinka openly dismissed Oseni’s professional legitimacy based on his academic background. In a moment that stunned both viewers and attendees, Olayinka took a direct jab at the Arise News anchor, saying, “Oseni Rufai, you studied Animal Anatomy, and you are on Arise as an on-air personality. You cannot face me and call yourself a journalist. I wouldn’t agree with you because you didn’t study journalism.”

The remark instantly stirred reactions, with many interpreting it as a public embarrassment meant to discredit Oseni’s career in broadcast media. Olayinka’s statement, “You’re not one of us,” echoed across social media platforms, sparking an avalanche of reactions from supporters and critics alike.

However, Rufai Oseni, known for his strong opinions and firm stance on issues, didn’t back down. He countered Olayinka’s assertion by highlighting his extensive experience and professional development over the years. “For your education, it’s obvious you don’t even know that journalism is broad and there is a need for a lot of education, that there is multi-disciplines in journalism. I have also done a lot of work and training in this business, having been a journalist for over 20 years,” Oseni responded.

The incident has since gone viral, igniting a wider debate about whether formal academic qualifications are more important than practical experience in journalism. While some agree with Olayinka that a journalism degree adds credibility, others argue that experience and media exposure should not be undermined.

As the controversy continues to trend, many are left asking: in today’s media space, what truly makes someone a journalist?