Nigeria, March 12 -- In Nigeria today, journalism has become one of the most misunderstood professions. It is perhaps the only field where people from virtually every other profession confidently claim expertise. Lawyers believe they know how interviews should be conducted. Politicians think they understand how stories should be framed. Businesspeople assume journalism is simply about writing. Even casual observers, armed with social media accounts and personal opinions, often feel qualified to judge how journalists should do their work.

The reason for this perception is not difficult to understand as writing is a skill that cuts across professions. Doctors write reports, lawyers draft briefs, academics publish papers, and civil servant...