The MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP), a comprehensive six-month scholarship aimed at media practitioners, is reshaping journalism and content production in Nigeria through full funding support.

In its fourth year, MIP, initiated by MTN Nigeria in collaboration with the School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Pan-Atlantic University, continues to equip journalists, broadcasters, and content producers with the skills needed to adjust, create new approaches, and succeed within today’s demanding media environment.

Even though projections indicate that the Nigerian entertainment and media industry’s worth could rise from $9.0 billion in 2023 to $13.6 billion by 2028, the media segment continues to face challenges like restricted opportunities for skill development, economic volatility, and swift erosion of conventional income streams. As digital channels transform content consumption and profitability patterns, reporters and media proprietors have to reconsider their strategies.

MIP offers a well-organized educational setting for media experts to obtain direct experience with emerging industry patterns, digital evolution, and the overlap between media and ICT. Covering topics from data-driven reporting to techniques for engaging audiences, attendees complete the course equipped with practical abilities that are defining the direction of narrative development in Nigeria.

One prominent aspect of MIP is its international trip to South Africa, during which participants interact with major media organizations, tour the HQs of MTN Group, and receive practical training at the University of Johannesburg. Such worldwide experience offers crucial perspectives on how professionals in different regions use technology and innovation for advancement.

Many participants view this opportunity as pivotal for their careers. Juliet Tontoye, who serves as the Vice-President of MIP Cohort 3, characterizes the program as ‘a watershed moment.’ She explains, “Discussing our encounters with peers back at our individual news organizations highlights how readily these advantages manifest compared to putting them into words. Over the last three months, MIP has provided us with tremendous insights. This is something all media professionals should go through. MTN has hosted us splendidly, even though it entails significant expenses amounting to several million Naira. Nonetheless, we feel confident about the deep influence it will exert upon our associates.”

MIP goes beyond personal influence to transform the media sector by promoting teamwork and leadership. It connects conventional journalism with digital advancement, ensuring graduates emerge not only as improved narrators but also as agents of disruption aiming for enduring transformation. With 60 alumni dispersed throughout Nigeria’s leading media entities, they utilize their expertise to revamp newsrooms, develop cutting-edge digital-centric approaches, and implement viable economic plans.

As stated by Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria: “Since launching MIP in 2022, our aim has been to improve the skills of media professionals in reporting and increase their knowledge about the tech industry, enabling them to be genuine pioneers in media innovation. Observing the program’s influence throughout the last three years has been incredibly motivating and sobering. We are delighted to keep this endeavor going and encourage all qualifying media professionals and content creators to take advantage of this chance by submitting their applications for the upcoming batch.”

Likewise, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University remarked: “The SMC will utilize its vast expertise in educating media professionals to prepare this upcoming group. As always, we will prioritize creativity and ethics.”

Since its launch in 2022, MIP has educated more than 60 fellows, establishing a community of media advocates who promote ethical coverage, innovative storytelling techniques, and the judicious application of technology in journalism.

Over the last three years, MTN Nigeria has committed more than NGN 300 million to developing Nigeria’s media sector via its collaboration with PAU.

With applications now available for the 2025 intake, this program keeps drawing exceptional individuals who are keen on advancing their professional journeys and playing a role in reshaping Nigeria’s media landscape.

For journalists, broadcasters, and content creators aiming to secure their career paths for the future, the MTN Media Innovation Program isn’t merely a fellowship; it’s a transformative movement that is revolutionizing the field, one participant after another.

Journalists, bloggers, and content producers who are interested may apply for MIP 2025.
https://bit.ly/MTN_MIP2025
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