By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), expanding the cohort size to 25 fellows from 20 in previous editions.
The increase, according to the company, is symbolic of its 25th anniversary and reflects its sustained commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s media ecosystem through capacity development and innovation.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, the fully funded six-month certificate programme has evolved into a leading media development initiative in Africa. It is designed to equip media professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks required to navigate the rapidly changing media and technology landscape.
Speaking on the development, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, said the programme underscores the company’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the future of the media industry.
“The expansion to 25 fellows this year is a deliberate reflection of our 25-year milestone and a reminder of the need to continuously invest in the people and ideas shaping the industry,” he said.
The programme combines academic sessions at Pan-Atlantic University with industry engagements and an international study visit. Participants will also attend sessions at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, where they will engage with leaders across media, business, and policy sectors.
Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, noted that the initiative aligns with the institution’s goal of producing competent professionals equipped with both academic and practical expertise.
Since its inception, the programme has built a network of alumni who now occupy strategic roles across Nigeria’s media industry, with many launching new platforms and contributing to public discourse through impactful storytelling.
Applications are open via the programme’s official portal and will close on April 22, 2026. Successful candidates will undergo a competitive selection process, with the programme scheduled to commence in May 2026.
The initiative is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, with applicants expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, storytelling, and professional development.
