Interview: “Half-learning is dangerous in Journalism”– Former AFAS Press Features Editor, Agnes Oyedokun
Sakeenah Kareem
In this exclusive interview, Agnes Oyedokun, former AFAS Press Features Editor and winner of Kola Tunbosun best finalist Campus Journalist, reflects on her journey through AFAS Press, the lessons learned, and the bittersweet reality of moving on from an organization that shaped her growth.
AFAS Press:
Can we get to know you?
AGNES OYEDOKUN:
My name is Agnes Tioluwanimi Oyedokun. I recently completed my final undergraduate exams in the Department of English. On the side, I’m a brand strategist and was once a member, and later the Features Editor of the AFAS Press. If I am not reading novels, I am either hunting for my next read, busy hating on fried plantain or finding creative ways to wind people up, all in good fun.
AFAS Press:
Tell us about your journey into campus journalism and why AFAS Press. What motivated your decision to join the press?
Agnes Oyedokun:
I joined AFAS Press in 100 level during the COVID-era virtual classes. I saw a broadcast message about it and thought, “Why not?” Plus, some of my secondary school friends had hyped me up about my writing, so I figured it was worth a shot. Honestly, I joined AFAS Press because that was the only press I knew at the time; no dramatic backstory, just vibes and curiosity.
AFAS Press:
Being a member of AFAS Press, a faculty with so much drama, especially in the political sphere, how would you describe the experience?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Chaotic. Especially in my first and second years. I remember my first press night, I spent the entire time irritated. It felt like I’d walked into a live taping of “Big Brother: AFAS Edition,” and many people were competing for the “Most Dramatic Speaker.” But looking back, I get it, campus politics will test your patience, and as a press member, you can’t afford to blink too long unless you want to miss the next plot twist.
AFAS Press:
Who are those campus journalists who inspire you with their work?
Agnes Oyedokun:
I admire anyone whose work made me pause and think, the ones who had me rereading paragraphs because of how powerful their storytelling was. But if I had to mention specific people, I’d say those not afraid to ask hard questions and write even when it isn’t convenient. The ones who made/make me realise that journalism isn’t just about reporting events whether they wrote features, opinion pieces that sparked debates, or simple stories that gave students a voice.
AFAS Press:
How have you been able to balance campus journalism with your academics and other activities?
AGNES Oyedokun:
Honestly? I don’t even know. Between my academics, being the assistant class rep, juggling internships, and committing to my fellowship, I just kept moving. I’d love to say I had some top-secret time-management formula, but I didn’t. I just kept showing up (with God’s help) and somehow made it through. Now that I’m done, I look back like, “Wow, I survived all that?”
AFAS Press:
What would you say were your biggest achievements and challenges as a press member?
AGNES Oyedokun:
Biggest achievements? Surviving Foyin’s tenure as my Features Editor and coming out as a better Agnes. Honestly, that period helped me grow a lot. Also, leading the Features desk to publish articles that tackled student issues, and seeing solutions come from those stories is something I am also really proud of. As for challenges? Oh, the “almost crying” phase when I had to rewrite new members’ articles. Scratch that, I did cry a few times. Some drafts had me questioning my life choices like, “Is this journalism… or endurance training?”
AFAS Press:
Of all the stories you’ve written, which is your favourite, most challenging, and most memorable?
Agnes Oyedokun:
I have written too many to count. But the most challenging? One that had me rewriting so many times I started doubting my “career” choice.
AFAS Press:
Having served under four E-in-Cs in AFAS Press, which will you say is your most memorable?
Agnes Oyedokun:
I can’t pick one, they all played key roles in shaping me.
Lolade Olu-Ojegbede was my first E-in-C. I didn’t see her often, but she gave me space to “explore,” and that freedom helped me grow.
Mashika Olamilekan had this smile that honestly kept me going. During the moments when Foyin was drilling us, his smile felt like a silent “You’re doing great, keep going!”
Foyinsaye Ejilola, ah, Foyin! Her praise always felt like winning an award. Whenever she said, “Agnes, I read your article, well done,” it was like someone handed me a trophy.
Olanshile Ogunrinu was my E-in-C that doubled as a hype man. He believed in me so much that sometimes I’d wonder if he saw something I couldn’t see yet. But he pushed me to do better, and I’m grateful for that.
AFAS Press:
Is journalism something you’d love to pursue after school?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Definitely.
AFAS Press:
If you were to pick one unforgettable memory from your campus journalism journey, what would it be?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Surprisingly, it’s not directly related to writing. It’s the day my parents were talking about something I had done, and my mum said, “I can’t believe you did that.” My dad just smiled and said, “It’s the press thing she’s doing in school, it’s helping her.” That moment? Priceless!
AFAS Press:
How does it feel to leave an organisation where you practically climbed the ranks?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Bittersweet. It’s like leaving a house you helped build. But hey, every good story must have an ending… or at least a dramatic cliffhanger.
AFAS; Are you a book or movie person?AGNES; Books. Movies are great, but books? They let you escape reality without someone randomly pausing to ask, “Who’s that guy again?” The only problem now is, that books are starting to feel like designer bags, expensive and out of reach.
AFAS Press:
Are you a book or movie person?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Books. Movies are great, but books? They let you escape reality without someone randomly pausing to ask, “Who’s that guy again?” The only problem now is, that books are starting to feel like designer bags, expensive and out of reach.
AFAS Press:
Who are your top three writers, and what are your top three favourite books?
Agnes Oyedokun:
I can’t pick favourites — I just can’t. But I look forward to reading more from Yejide Kilanko, Lola Akinmade Akerstrom, Lola Shoneyin, Chigozie Obioma, Ayobami Adebayo, Abi Daré, and Sophie Kinsella amidst many others.
AFAS Press:
If not campus journalism, what would you have been so involved in during your time as a Uite?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Probably L&D or… honestly, nothing at all.
AFAS Press:
What are some key lessons you’ve learned from campus journalism?
Agnes Oyedokun:
One major lesson is that learning is crucial — and half-learning is dangerous. As Alexander Pope famously wrote in “An Essay on Criticism”, “A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.”
That line has stuck with me. Half-learning gives you just enough knowledge to feel confident, but not enough to avoid costly mistakes. In journalism, that can mean misreporting facts, overlooking key details, or asking the wrong questions. I’ve learnt that it’s always better to seek clarity, dig deeper, and never assume you know enough.
AFAS Press:
What changes would you love to see in campus journalism going forward?
Agnes Oyedokun:
More personalised workshops and stronger bonds between members. We need more spaces where journalists feel like they belong, not just like they’re chasing deadlines.
AFAS Press:
Any parting words for the campus journalists you’re leaving behind?
Agnes Oyedokun:
Ask questions, and never stop learning. Most importantly, remember that your voice matters, even when it feels like no one is listening.
