MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the School of Media & Communications at Pan-Atlantic University have jointly announced the call for applications for the 3rd edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP-3). This program is designed for qualified media practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and understanding of the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The MTN MIP-3 is set to commence on May 20, 2024, at the Main Campus of Pan-Atlantic University, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Originally launched in 2022, the Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP) is a collaborative effort between MTN Nigeria and the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University. It aims to provide media practitioners with comprehensive insights into the contemporary media environment.
This fully-funded certificate fellowship spans six months and encompasses various enriching components. Participants will benefit from a study visit to the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as access to an innovation hub where they can nurture and develop their ideas.
The programme caters to media practitioners across all sectors of the industry, including print, electronic, and online platforms, as well as social media content creators.
Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, highlighted the significant impact of the programme on media professionals.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria said: “The media play a crucial role in shaping the society. It is important that they are enabled with tools and opportunities to do their jobs better as this ultimately benefits the society. Our commitment is to continue to empower media practitioners, regardless of platforms, to be able to innovate and create technological-driven solutions to our world. This is what the MTN Media Innovation Programme seeks to accomplish.”
On his part, the Dean School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, stated that the programme brings into play the wide experience that the School has in the training of media practitioners.
“In our various programmes targeted at journalists, we at the School of Media and Communication have always laid a lot of emphasis on the importance of creativity, ethics and professionalism. The Media Innovation Programme is one more opportunity to drive home these values but with a new emphasis on innovation. Journalism remains as important as ever to the society, and it is driven by the same values, but journalists require a retooling to meet the technological changes and challenges of today. This is the role that the Media Innovation Programme aims to play, and we are quite happy to be able to partner with MTN to achieve this goal.”
Upon completion of the training, the 20 successful applicants will be recognized as Fellows for the 2024 cohort. These Fellows will receive coaching on Nigeria’s technology sector, explore the intricate relationship between media and technology, and acquire the skills necessary to adapt to the evolving realities of their profession, ensuring both career advancement and financial success. Additionally, Fellows will gain access to professional resources and mentorship from the esteemed faculty at PAU.
Journalists, bloggers, and content creators who are interested can apply for the Fellowship through the following link: https://smc.edu.ng/mtnmip
Applications are open from Friday, March 23, and will close on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
