MTN Nigeria has announced the launch of applications for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), increasing the number of fellows from 20 to 25 to mark its 25th anniversary.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, said the expansion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape through capacity building and innovation. He described the initiative as an investment in media professionals who shape narratives around connectivity, digital transformation, and societal development.
“The 2026 edition features an expanded cohort, broader curriculum, and a stronger pan-African outlook to enhance participants’ exposure,” Okigbo said. “The expansion to 25 fellows this year reflects our 25-year milestone and reinforces the need to invest in people and ideas that will shape the future of the media industry.”
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the fully funded six-month certificate programme has become a leading media capacity development platform in Africa. The programme combines academic sessions at Pan-Atlantic University with industry engagements and an international study visit to South Africa, where participants will attend academic sessions at the University of Johannesburg and meet with media, business, and policy leaders.
According to MTN Nigeria, the programme has cultivated a strong alumni network, with graduates occupying key roles across media organisations and contributing to public discourse through impactful storytelling.
Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, said the programme integrates academic depth, industry insight, and practical engagement to equip participants with critical thinking and professional skills. “It combines academic rigour with practical relevance and aligns with our goal of producing competent professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to society,” he said.
Applications are open via the School of Media and Communication website and will close on April 22, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a competitive selection process, with successful applicants set to begin the programme in May 2026.
The initiative is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across print, electronic, digital, and social media, with applicants expected to demonstrate a commitment to innovation and professional development.
