MTN Nigeria, in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, has announced the fourth cohort of the Media Innovation Programme (MIP), welcoming 20 outstanding media professionals from across print, broadcast, online and digital content creation.
The six-month certificate programme, which officially began on Monday, 19 May, 2025, is fully funded by MTN Nigeria and designed to equip media practitioners in Nigeria with the skills, knowledge and exposure needed to thrive in a fast changing and technology-driven environment.
Launched in 2022, the MTN Media Innovation Programme was created to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem by deepening the understanding of how technology is shaping communication. Through a combination of in-class sessions, field visits and practical projects, participants gain valuable insight into the opportunities at the intersection of media and technology. In addition to academic sessions, the fellows will spend time at select innovation hubs where they will be exposed to emerging tools and technologies shaping the future of storytelling. Each fellow will be required to conceptualise and build an innovative media project capable of transforming the media landscape in Nigeria and beyond.
The programme will also include a study trip to the University of Johannesburg and engagements with key stakeholders in the South African government, business and media sectors. This international component is designed to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa and promote a shared vision of pan-African advancement through media collaboration.
Speaking about the value of the programme, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria stated that “It is a privilege to welcome the fourth cohort. MIP began as an idea within my team and has become one of the most impactful initiatives I am proud of at MTN. Out of more than 3,000 applications, only 20 people were selected. This speaks to the calibre of talent we are nurturing. We want journalists who are passionate about this country and are committed to making it better. Bring your best self to the programme and make it count.”
Professor Ngozi Opara, representing Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, also shared her perspective: “We are proud to partner with MTN in preparing media professionals to lead in a digital first and ethically grounded media environment. Our graduates do more than report the news. They shape narratives and influence society. MIP is about rethinking how we tell stories in an age of artificial intelligence, data and innovation.”
The 2025 MTN MIP fellows are:
● Adaku Onyenucheya –The Guardian
● Adebayo Adeyemi Micheal– AIT
● Adebayo Rasaq Abolaji– New Telegraph
● Adekeye Emmanuel Ayobami– ADAMIM ’O’ GO 93.1 FM
● Amarachi Nkechi Ubani– Channels Television
● Asukwo Oduo – Pulse Nigeria
● Blessings Mosugu – News CentralTV
● Chinwe Peace Micheal– Business Day
● David Afolayan – TechNext
● Desmond Okon – THECABLE
● Edun Rebecca – Megaletrics
● Eshokeme Oludare James – Africa News
● Georgina Ndukwe-Ezeanyika – Arise NewsChannel
● Precious David-Ogaga – NTA
● Precious Ijeoma Igbonwelundu – The Nation
● Royal Odiri Ibeh – Leadership
● Salem King – Digital Content Creator
● Tega Onojaife – Smooth 98.1 FM
● Vanessa Ukamaka Richard- Bassey – Sparkling 92.3 FM
● Zainab Yetunde Adam– SMK Radio 96.5 FM
MTN remains committed to empowering the future of journalism and promoting innovation in media practice across Nigeria.
