By Abolaji Adebayo
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University, has on Monday commenced training for the 20 participants including the ICT editor of New Telegraph Newspaper, Abolaji Adebayo, who were selected to participate in the MTN Media Innovation Program cohort 4 (MIP-4).
Out of over 3,000 applicants, 20 participants who passed the essay and sailed through the rigorous process were selected for the programme.
The top media practitioners have been selected to participate in this initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in media at the Pan-Atlantic University School of Media Communications.
The School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University faculty reviewed the applications and selected the top candidates who had the most outstanding essays.
The 20 fellows began their classes on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the Pan-Atlantic University after their welcome dinner at the MTN in Lagos on Sunday.
Speaking about the fellowship, the Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, congratulated the participants, urging them to make use of the opportunity to bring innovation to journalism in Nigeria, and strive to drive the much desired innovation in the ecosystem.
Obiaya, who was represented by Prof. Ngozi Opera, said: “It’s really one of the programmes you could say that expresses very much the reality of today’s world that so much has changed technologically. We are delighted to collaborate with MTN Nigeria in empowering talent through the Media Innovation Programme. With this fellowship, we aim to cultivate a new generation of media professionals who are equipped to drive innovation and excellence.”
The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) is a six-week long fellowship spread across six months for media practitioners in the Nigerian space.
The programme will increase the knowledge and skill base of the fellows and help them understand the changing media landscape, and how to effectively use technology to create impactful media content.
Addressing the fellows, Tobe Okigbo, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, said: “At MTN Nigeria, we recognise the critical role the media plays in shaping our society. MIP is a testament to our commitment to empowering media professionals and fostering innovation in the industry.
“We believe that a free and independent press is essential to a thriving society, and we are dedicated to supporting the development of a vibrant and responsible media ecosystem in Nigeria. Through this programme, we aim to equip media practitioners and innovators with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to tell the stories that need to be told.”
The fully-funded certificate fellowship will include a study trip to the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, visits to the South African Broadcasting Station, innovation hubs in South Africa to incubate ideas and a tour of the MTN Group Head office in Sandton.
This Fellowship will equip the fellows to uphold the highest intellectual, ethical, and professional values.
With the commencement of the fouth edition of the Media Innovation Programme, MTN has further proven its commitment to improving the Nigerian media landscape and technology reporting.
