MTN Nigeria has opened applications for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme, expanding the fellowship cohort to 25 participants as part of its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s media landscape and mark its 25th anniversary.
The telecommunications firm said in a statement that the increase from 20 fellows in previous editions reflects its continued commitment to supporting the development of media professionals and the broader industry.
As MTN Nigeria celebrates 25 years of operations, the programme is positioned as a parallel investment in the storytellers shaping how connectivity is understood and amplified across society.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, the fully funded six-month certificate programme has grown into a major media capacity-building platform across Africa. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving media and technology environment.
The fifth edition introduces an expanded cohort, a broader curriculum, and a stronger pan-African outlook aimed at enhancing participants’ exposure to media and technology ecosystems across the continent.
“The Media Innovation Programme reflects our commitment to supporting the growth and evolution of the media industry by providing access to knowledge, exposure, and meaningful engagement with the realities shaping it.
“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,” said Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo.
The programme combines academic sessions at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, with industry engagements and an international study visit.
The international component, which takes place in South Africa, includes academic sessions at the University of Johannesburg and interactions with leaders across media, business, and policy sectors.
According to the organisers, these engagements are designed to broaden participants’ understanding of the role of media within society and its intersection with technology, governance, and economic development.
“At the School of Media and Communication, we are committed to delivering a learning experience that combines academic rigour with real-world relevance. The Media Innovation Programme lives up to our institutional goal of forming competent professionals who will make a difference in society.
The programme brings together 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,” said Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University.
Since its launch, the programme has developed an alumni network across Nigeria’s media industry, with participants taking up key roles in leading organisations and launching new media platforms. The initiative has also contributed to shaping public discourse through both digital and traditional channels.
Applications for the programme are currently open via the School of Media and Communication website, with the deadline set for April 22, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a competitive selection process, with successful applicants expected to commence the programme in May 2026.
The programme is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across print, electronic, digital, and social media, with applicants required to demonstrate a commitment to innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional development.