MTN at 25: Telecom giant pumps power into Nigeria’s storytelling future

MTN Nigeria has opened applications for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), expanding the cohort to 25 fellows as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem and mark its 25th anniversary.

The telecoms giant said the increase from 20 participants in previous editions reflects its continued commitment to building capacity within the media and supporting the professionals shaping public discourse.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, the six-month fully funded certificate programme has become one of Africa’s notable media capacity-building initiatives. It is designed to equip journalists and content creators with the skills, tools, and networks needed to thrive in a fast-changing media and technology environment.

According to MTN, the fifth edition will feature an expanded curriculum, a larger cohort, and a stronger pan-African outlook aimed at exposing participants to broader media and technology ecosystems across the continent.

Speaking on the development, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the expansion aligns with the company’s 25-year milestone and its long-term investment in storytelling and innovation.

He noted that the programme is designed to support the growth of media practitioners by providing access to knowledge, real-world exposure, and engagement with industry realities.

“The expansion to 25 fellows this year reflects our 25-year journey and our belief that the media industry must continue to invest in the people and ideas that will shape its future,” Okigbo said.

The programme blends academic training at Pan-Atlantic University with industry engagements and an international study visit to South Africa, where participants will attend sessions at the University of Johannesburg and interact with media, business, and policy leaders.

Organisers say the global component is intended to deepen participants’ understanding of the intersection between media, technology, governance, and economic development.

Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, said the programme combines academic rigour with practical experience to prepare professionals for a rapidly evolving industry.

He added that it is designed to build critical thinking, innovation capacity, and professional competence among participants.

Since its inception, the programme has built an alumni network across Nigeria’s media industry, with graduates taking up roles in major media organisations and launching independent platforms that contribute to public discourse.

Applications for the 2026 edition are now 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, and successful applicants will begin the programme in May 2026.

The programme is open to journalists and digital content creators across print, broadcast, online, and social media platforms, with emphasis on innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional development