MTN Nigeria has opened applications for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), increasing the cohort size to 25 fellows from 20 in previous editions.
Mr Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, said in a statement on Saturday that the expansion symbolizes the company’s 25th anniversary in Nigeria.
He noted that the move underscores MTN’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape through capacity building and innovation.
Okigbo said the programme reflects the company’s investment in media professionals who shape narratives around connectivity, digital transformation, and societal development.
According to him, the initiative equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving media and technology environment.
“The 2026 edition will feature an expanded cohort, a broader curriculum, and a stronger pan-African outlook to enhance participants’ exposure,” he 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,” Okigbo added.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, the fully funded six-month certificate programme has become a leading media capacity development platform in Africa.
The programme includes academic sessions at Pan-Atlantic University, industry engagements, and an international study visit to South Africa, featuring sessions at the University of Johannesburg and interactions with media, business, and policy leaders.
MTN Nigeria said the programme has built a strong alumni network, with past participants now occupying key roles across media organizations and contributing to public discourse through impactful storytelling.
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 the programme scheduled to begin in May 2026.
Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, described the programme as one that combines academic rigour with practical relevance.
He said it aligns with the institution’s goal of producing competent professionals who can make meaningful contributions to society.
The programme is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across print, electronic, digital, and social media. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation and professional development.
