MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University, has announced the 20 Fellows to participate in the third edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP) following a rigorous selection process. These top media practitioners have been selected to participate in this initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in media at the Pan-Atlantic University.

The application process, which commenced on March 23 and ended on April 10, 2024, received thousands of entries. 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, 20th May 2024 at the Pan-Atlantic University.

Speaking about the fellowship, the Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, 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 recognize 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.

Here are the 2024 fellows:

·       Anthony Obakeye, Producer/Reporter, CNBC Africa;

·       Pius Chidiebere, Anchor, Signature Television

·       Oluwadunsin Sanya, Senior Content Associate, BellaNaija

·       Nkechi Ogbonna, Senior Journalist Reporter, West Africa, BBC, West Africa

·       Blessing Agbeetan, Assistant Prog Manager, Women Radio 91.7 FM

·       Aigbe Augustus, OAP/Producer, Cool FM

·       Chiemelie Ezeobi, Group Features Editor, Thisday Newspapers

·       Stephen Angbulu, State House Correspondent, Punch Newspapers

·       Rahaman Toheeb, Editor–in–Chief, Legit

·       Juliet Tontoye Pere-ere, General Manager/Broadcaster, Royals Roots FM

·       Chioma Chukwuemeka, Lead News, Sapientia International Media Centre

·       Ebunoluwa Dosunmu, Content Creator

·       Ayodele Ayokunle, Managing Director, Rock FM Jalingo and Taraba Truth

·       Oluwatomisin Amokeoja, Staff Writer, Forbes Africa

·       Moninkanola Ogidan, News Anchor/Editor/Presenter, Adaba FM

·       Johnstone Kpilaakaa, Senior Tech Reporter, BCSL – Bendada.com

·       Nifemi Oguntoye, Deputy Head of Presentation, TVC Communications

·       Prince Osuagwu, ICT Editor, Vanguard Newspapers

·       Omonike Babatunde, Broadcaster, Bright Broadcasting Ltd

·       Lucas Ajanaku, Assistant Business/Head, ICT Desk, The Nation Newspapers

Please click here to access a summary clip of their first day in class and here for other relevant materials.