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 for certification courses.
In its fourth year, MIP, initiated by MTN Nigeria in collaboration with the School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Pan-Atlantic University, is equipping journalists, broadcasters, and content producers with the skills needed to adapt, innovate, and succeed within the current demanding media environment.
Even though forecasts predict that the market value of Nigeria’s entertainment and media industry will increase from $9.0 billion in 2023 to $13.6 billion by 2028, the media segment continues to face challenges like restricted opportunities for training, economic volatility, and a swift erosion of conventional income sources. As digital channels transform the way news is both accessed and monetized, reporters and media proprietors have had to reconsider their strategies.
MIP offers a well-organized educational setting for media experts, enabling them to experience firsthand emerging industry patterns, digital change, and the convergence between media and ICT. Covering topics from data-driven reporting to tactics for engaging audiences, attendees complete this program equipped with practical abilities that are defining the direction of narrative creation in Nigeria.
One prominent aspect of MIP is its international study trip to South Africa. During this journey, participants interact with top-tier media organizations, tour the HQs of MTN Group, and receive practical training at the University of Johannesburg. Such worldwide experience offers critical perspectives on how professionals from different regions use technological advancements and innovations to maintain their competitive edge.
Many participants consider this a defining moment in their careers. Juliet Tontoye, Vice-President of MIP Cohort 3, characterizes the program as ‘a pivotal change.’ She explains, “Whenever we discuss our experiences with peers back at our individual news organizations, it becomes clear that the advantages and influence of the program are more readily felt than articulated. Over the last three months, MIP has provided an enlightening voyage. This is something all media professionals should go through. MTN has served as a fantastic host, despite the fact that hosting us likely incurs significant expenses amounting to several million nairas. Nonetheless, we firmly believe it will profoundly affect our associates.”
MIP goes beyond personal influence to transform the media sector by promoting teamwork and leadership. It connects conventional journalism with digital advancements, 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-focused strategies, and implement sustainable financial approaches.
As stated by Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria: “Since the launch of MIP in 2022, our aim has been to boost the reporting skills of media professionals and increase their knowledge about the tech industry, enabling them to evolve into genuine media trailblazers. Observing the program’s influence across the last three years has been truly motivating and grounding. We are delighted to keep this endeavor going and encourage all qualified media practitioners and content producers to take advantage of this chance by submitting their applications for the upcoming batch.”
The Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University similarly remarked, “SMC will utilize its profound expertise in educating media professionals to prepare this upcoming group. As always, our focus will be on fostering creativity alongside ethical standards.”
Since its launch in 2022, MIP has educated more than 60 fellows, developing a community of media advocates promoting ethical coverage, innovative storytelling techniques, and effective technological integration within 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 aspire to advance their professional journeys and play a role in reshaping Nigeria’s media landscape.
For journalists, broadcasters, and content creators aiming to secure their futures, the MTN Media Innovation Program isn’t merely a fellowship; it’s a movement transforming the sector, individual by individual.
Enthusiastic journalists, bloggers, and content producers can submit their applications for MIP 2025.
https://bit.ly/MTN_MIP2025
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