Rianat Ajoke Haruna, a 400-level student in the Department of English at Lagos State University, is more than just an undergraduate.
She is the founder of HAR Foundation ( A youth focused initiative commited to empowering individuals with practical skills and knowledge for sustainable personal and community development), a talented writer, public speaker, coach, fashion designer, and the current President of the Lagos State University (LASU) Writers Society, as well as Director of Community and Welfarism, Azzaaruuqiyyah Media World.
Beyond her academic, Rianot has taken intentional steps to gain practical experience, securing an internship at the Lagos State University Radio Station. In this interview, she shares how determination, clarity, and her background in English literature helped her carve a path into the media space
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Where did you do your internship?
My first internship came after I won a writing competition, where I emerged as the second runner-up. As part of the prize, I interned with the organisation for three months. But I soon realised I wanted more than writing, I also wanted to speak. That desire led me to pursue an internship at the Lagos State University Radio Station.
What motivated you to intern at a radio station specifically?
Mentorship played a huge role. I kept asking myself, "Where do I see myself in five years?" As a student of a language-related course, people often say you can work anywhere, but I wanted to be intentional. I didn't want to leave school without real experience, so I chose a place that aligned with my goals.
How did you go about securing the placement?
I started with persistence. I reached out to people at the station, but I was told they were not accepting interns. Instead of giving up, my friends and I decided to visit the station in person. Even then, we were told the internship application had closed. So we offered to volunteer. A week later, we got a call back, the admin appreciated our commitment and gave us the opportunity.
Was it paid?
No, it was not paid.
What was your first day like?
I was genuinely excited. There were many people and a lot of equipment to learn about.The production room had several controls, each with a specific function. While I couldn't grasp everything immediately, it was a little overwhelming, but it felt surprisingly natural.
What was the biggest culture shock in moving from the classroom to practical work?
There was a clear shift from theory to practice. In class, we focus on concepts like syntax and morphology, but in the studio, the emphasis is on equipment, production, and delivery. Practical work requires consistent hands-on experience, without it, you tend to forget quickly.
Did your background in English play a role during your internship?
Yes, during the production of Public Service Announcements (PSAs). While others read the scripts plainly, I approached them with expression, like an orator. Because I am a language student, my understanding of pronunciation and articulation made a difference, and I was eventually assigned most of the voice work.
Tell us about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it, and what did it teach you?
There was a time when the team member responsible for production was absent. We had divided ourselves into two groups, some of us handled voicing, others handled production. One day, the person who usually managed production didn't show up. We tried to cover it ourselves, but the result was poor because we had only ever focused on a single aspect.
When we submitted the task, we were scared, but our supervisor simply corrected us and told us to learn from the situation. Apparently, we were not supposed to focus on just a single aspect but to learn about everything. We are a team, and we are supposed to rotate. If you do voicing today, you could produce tomorrow. It taught me to learn every aspect of the work, so that I can step in whenever anyone is unavailable.
What was your proudest moment?
The day I got to be introduced not just with my voice, but with my face. I was sent to report on a Ramadan lecture acting as a full correspondent. I got to wear the staff gear, complete with the station logo and "Press" on the back. Being selected for that assignment meant everything.
If you could go back to the day before you started, what would you tell yourself?
My proudest moment was when I was assigned to report on a Ramadan lecture. It was the first time I was recognized not just for my voice but also as a reporter. Wearing the official staff gear made the experience even more memorable.
Has this experience given you clarity about your future?
Yes, it has. Before university, I thought I would become a teacher. Now, I see myself building a career in the communication industry, where I can fully utilize my skills and passion.
Weave notes
“You don't have to wait. Do the research, and reach out to the right person directly. The worst thing you can get is a no and a no has never killed anyone."
-Rianat Ajoke Haruna, 400-level, English & Literature
