MTN Nigeria Expands Media Fellowship, Selects 25 Journalists for 2026 Innovation Programme
Digitnomics 
By Nonye Ngoka
MTN Nigeria has unveiled the 25 media professionals and digital content creators selected for the fifth cohort of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP), reinforcing its investment in strengthening journalism, digital storytelling and media leadership in Nigeria.
Implemented in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, the six-month fellowship continues to position itself as one of Nigeria’s leading media capacity-building initiatives focused on innovation, digital transformation and professional development.
This year’s edition recorded strong competition from applicants across print, broadcast, digital media and content creation, highlighting the programme’s growing industry relevance and influence.
In commemoration of MTN Nigeria’s 25th anniversary, the company expanded the fellowship from 20 participants in previous editions to 25 fellows.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, said the fellowship reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and lifelong learning.
“At MTN Nigeria, innovation, insight, knowledge, skills and partnership matter deeply to us. The Media Innovation Programme represents all these values — a partnership not just with Pan-Atlantic University, but with every fellow,” Okigbo said.
“This programme is an adventure in learning, one that challenges participants to reconsider assumptions, revise opinions, rethink ideas and ultimately grow both professionally and personally.”
Also addressing participants, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, described the fellowship as more than a professional milestone.
According to him, the programme is designed to equip media practitioners with the skills, ethics and leadership capacity required to shape the future of journalism and communication.
“The media space today faces significant challenges, and this programme equips participants not just for personal development, but to make a real difference,” Obiaya said.
“Beyond skills and exposure, we place strong emphasis on values such as truth, honesty, ethics and responsibility to society. We hope that every fellow leaves this programme better prepared to contribute significantly to the future of media.”
The fifth cohort includes professionals from leading media organisations and independent content platforms across Nigeria.
Selected fellows include David Agbetiloye Adekunle of Business Insider Africa, Fatima Adeniyi Adetoke of NotJustOk, Kayode Adetola of Lagos Television, Tolulope Ajibola of Silverbird Television, Usman Aliyu of the News Agency of Nigeria, Jayne Augoye of Premium Times and Auwal Muhammad Ibrahim of Halal Reporters.
Others are Collins Christopher of News Central Television, Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi of TVC Communications, Chiamaka Dike of BBC News, David Eluemunoh, digital content creator, Denise Eseimokumoh of Marie Claire Nigeria, Oluwafisayo Fosudo, digital content creator, and Progress Godfrey of Vanguard Media.
The cohort also includes Glory Itiafe of Diamond FM, Segun Kasali of Nigerian Tribune, Sarah Ofonedu of Inspiration FM, Justice Okamgba of The Punch, Emmanuel Onwuka of Nigeria Info FM, Ifeduyi Oyesanmi of TechCabal, Emmanuel Sabastine, sports commentator, Kafilat Taiwo of Media Trust Group, Ijeoma Thomas-Odia of The Guardian, Deborah Ugwu of Rhythm FM Port Harcourt and Nneka Ukachukwu of Voice of Nigeria.
Over the years, MTN’s Media Innovation Programme has evolved into a respected fellowship that combines classroom learning, industry mentorship and international exposure.
The six-month programme commenced on May 18, 2026, with fellows expected to undergo intensive training in media innovation, digital transformation, storytelling, strategic communication and leadership.
Participants will also undertake a one-week study visit to South Africa, where they will gain exposure to global media practices and emerging communication trends.
MTN Nigeria said the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to supporting journalism, advancing media excellence and empowering professionals who shape public discourse across Nigeria and the continent.
As one of Africa’s largest telecommunications providers, MTN Nigeria currently serves more than 87 million subscribers, leveraging technology, connectivity and social investment programmes to support national development and digital inclusion.
