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ROUNDCHECK has announced the appointment of Babatunde Titilola as its new Programmes Director. This is a step aimed at strengthening the organisation’s programme development and expanding its Media and Information Literacy (MIL) initiatives.
Titilola is a lawyer, award-winning journalist, and policy researcher with a strong focus on migration, development, human rights, governance, and accountability. He brings extensive experience across newsrooms, civil society, and international organisations, combining investigative journalism with policy research and legal analysis.
His work has consistently centred around promoting ethical reporting and improving public understanding of complex social issues, particularly those affecting marginalised communities across Africa.
Reacting to his appointment, Titilola described the role as both humbling and motivating, especially at a time when misinformation continues to shape public discourse and influence policy decisions.
“ROUNDCHECK is doing important work at a time when misinformation is shaping public opinion and policy in dangerous ways. Being trusted with this responsibility is both humbling and motivating,” he said.
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He explained that his decision to take on the role aligns closely with his professional background and personal values.
“My background in law helps me understand rights, accountability, and governance. Journalism allows me to tell human-centred stories with accuracy and impact. Policy research connects evidence to decision-making. I believe ROUNDCHECK can make use of all three,” Titilola said.
He added that the position presents an opportunity to strengthen fact-checking systems, build institutional capacity, and contribute to a more informed public space in Nigeria and across Africa.
As Programmes Director, Titilola will oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of ROUNDCHECK’s programmes, including events, campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives focused on advancing Media and Information Literacy.
Speaking on his immediate priorities, he said his focus would be on strengthening the organisation’s programmes and internal systems. This includes refining fact-checking workflows, improving editorial standards, and developing clear programme structures that support ethics, accuracy, speed, and impact. He also identified capacity building as a key priority, particularly for young journalists, campus reporters, and community contributors.
On expanding the organisation’s reach, Titilola noted that ROUNDCHECK plans to deepen partnerships with media organisations, civil society groups, and academic institutions. He said the organisation will continue to invest in Media and Information Literacy, community engagement, and issue-based fact-checking around elections, human rights, migration, labour, governance, and technology.
He also revealed plans to introduce and strengthen innovative approaches to public engagement aimed at making Media and Information Literacy more accessible and engaging, particularly for young people and digital audiences.
“The goal is to make fact-checking accessible, relevant, and trusted,” he said.
Looking ahead, Titilola said the public should expect stronger investigations, clearer explainers, training programmes, and collaborative projects in the coming months. According to him, these efforts will directly address the misinformation and disinformation trends that impact everyday lives.
In recent times, ROUNDCHECK has built its work around innovative, community-focused initiatives designed to improve Media and Information Literacy. These include Truth in Verse Festival, a creative programme that uses poetry and storytelling to spark conversations around misinformation and critical thinking, alongside other community-based and digital literacy projects. Its first edition was held in December, 2025 with subsequent editions planned to hold in coming times.
The organisation is also planning the launch of Civic Play, an interactive Media and Information Literacy game to be hosted on its website. The game is designed to help users engage with information, civic issues, and fact-checking in a practical and accessible way.
ROUNDCHECK has expressed that Titilola’s appointment would further strengthen its mission of building a more informed, critically aware, and engaged public.
