MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University, has announced the 20 fellows selected to participate in the third edition of its Media Innovation Programme following a rigorous selection process.

The country’s biggest telecom operator, with 79.7 million subscribers, disclosed this in a statement.
The top media practitioners were chosen to participate in this initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in media at Pan-Atlantic University.

According to MTN, the application process, which commenced on March 23 and ended on April 10, 2024, received thousands of entries.

The faculty of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University reviewed the applications and selected the top candidates based on their outstanding essays.

The 20 fellows began their classes on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Pan-Atlantic University, marking the start of a transformative journey in media innovation and professional development.
Speaking about the fellowship, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, said, “It is 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 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, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, 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 third edition of the Media Innovation Programme, MTN has further proven its commitment to improving the Nigerian media landscape and technology reporting.