In an effort to improve Nigeria’s media environment and commemorate its 25th anniversary, MTN Nigeria has launched applications for the fifth iteration of its Media Innovation Program, increasing the fellowship cohort to 25 members.
The telecom company said in a statement that the rise from 20 fellows in earlier editions is indicative of its ongoing dedication to fostering the growth of media professionals and the sector as a whole.
The initiative is positioned as a parallel investment in the storytellers influencing how connectivity is seen and amplified throughout society as MTN Nigeria commemorates 25 years of business.
The fully financed six-month certificate program, which was introduced in 2022 in collaboration with Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication, has developed into a significant media capacity-building platform throughout Africa. It is intended to give participants the skills, resources, and connections needed to lead and create in a media and technology landscape that is changing quickly.
In order to increase participants’ exposure to media and technology ecosystems throughout the continent, the fifth edition offers a larger cohort, a more comprehensive curriculum, and a more robust pan-African perspective.
By giving people access to information, exposure, and meaningful interaction with the realities influencing the media industry, the Media Innovation Programme demonstrates our dedication to fostering its expansion and development.
According to Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, “the expansion to 25 fellows this year is a deliberate reflection of our 25-year milestone and a reminder that as the media industry continues to evolve, there is a continued need to invest in the people and ideas that will shape its future.”
The program includes industry engagements, an overseas study visit, and academic sessions at Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication.
Academic seminars at the University of Johannesburg and meetings with leaders in the media, business, and policy sectors comprise the international component, which is held in South Africa.
The organizers claim that the purpose of these interactions is to increase participants’ comprehension of the media’s place in society and how it interacts with technology, governance, and economic growth.
We at the School of Media & Communication are dedicated to providing an educational experience that blends academic rigor with practical application. Our institutional objective of developing capable professionals who will improve society is fulfilled by the Media Innovation Program.
According to Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication, “the program combines academic depth, industry insight, and practical engagement to equip participants with the critical thinking and professional competence required to excel in a rapidly evolving media environment.”
Since its inception, the program has cultivated an alumni network throughout Nigeria’s media sector, with participants assuming pivotal positions in establishing new media platforms and leading organizations. Additionally, the program has influenced public discourse via conventional and digital media.
The School of Media and Communication website is now accepting applications for the program; the deadline is April 22, 2026. After a competitive screening process, the shortlisted candidates are anticipated to start the program in May 2026.
Applicants must show a dedication to innovation, powerful storytelling, and ongoing professional development. The program is available to media professionals and digital content producers in print, electronic, digital, and social media.
The program strengthens Nigeria’s media landscape through academic learning and hands-on experiences like newsroom immersions and industry masterclasses. Beyond Nigeria, MTN Group has launched a broader Pan-African Media Innovation Programme with the University of Johannesburg and the African Editors Forum (TAEF) to support media sustainability across its markets. This initiative aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which prioritizes connectivity, fintech, and digital growth while building a community of media professionals who can shape the narrative of African innovation.
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