MTN Nigeria has officially announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), expanding the fellowship to 25 participants in celebration of its 25th anniversary. This increase from previous cohorts reflects the company’s sustained investment in strengthening Nigeria’s media landscape.
As MTN Nigeria commemorates 25 years of connecting Nigerians, the initiative highlights a parallel commitment to empowering media professionals who shape narratives, influence public discourse, and amplify societal progress. The programme reinforces the need for a dynamic, independent, and forward-thinking media industry evolving alongside the digital economy.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication, the fully funded six-month certificate programme has grown into a leading media capacity development platform in Africa. Over the years, it has equipped participants with essential skills, industry exposure, and networks required to thrive in a rapidly changing media and technology environment.
The 2026 edition introduces not only a larger cohort but also an expanded curriculum and a stronger pan-African focus. Fellows will benefit from academic sessions, practical industry engagements, and an international study visit designed to deepen their understanding of media’s intersection with technology, governance, and economic development across the continent.
Speaking on the initiative, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, noted that the programme underscores MTN’s dedication to advancing the media industry through knowledge-sharing, exposure, and meaningful engagement with evolving realities.
The programme will be delivered through intensive sessions at the School of Media and Communication, complemented by industry interactions and an international study component in South Africa, including engagements at the University of Johannesburg.
Also commenting, Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, emphasized the programme’s blend of academic excellence and real-world relevance, aimed at producing professionals capable of driving impactful change within the media space.
Since inception, the programme has nurtured a strong alumni network, with graduates occupying strategic roles across leading media organisations, launching innovative platforms, and contributing meaningfully to public discourse.
Applications are currently open via the official portal (mtnmip.smc.edu.ng) and will close on April 22, 2026. Successful applicants will undergo a rigorous selection process, with the programme set to commence in May 2026.
The Media Innovation Programme is open to journalists, media practitioners, and digital content creators across print, broadcast, and online platforms who demonstrate a passion for innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional growth.
