About Us

MEDIA CAREER DEVELOPMENT NETWORK (MCDN) is a registered not-for-profit and non-political organization.

Aims and Objectives

To promote excellence in media practice in Nigeria

To organise media training and provide mentoring support for journalists and media professionals.

To produce resource materials to enhance media career development.

To engage in advocacy for freedom of the press in Nigeria.

To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, share experience, find mutual support and guidance for media professionals.

To protect the interest & welfare of journalists and media professionals

Our management team led by the founder and Executive Secretary, Lekan Otufodunrin, a media career development specialist and journalist, is made up of experienced journalists with local and international network to meet the career development needs of journalists and media professionals.

Our Board of Trustees members are accomplished media professionals and academics.

Lekan Otufodunrin

Executive Director

Former Managing Editor, The Nation Newspapers

Mrs Sekinah Lawal

Former Chairperson

Lagos Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)

Mrs Ugonma Cokey

Treasurer

Deputy Director, Voice of Nigeria

Alhaji Yusuf Alli

Managing Editor

Northern Operations, The Nation Newspapers

Prof Oloruntola Sunday

Chairman

Dean, Faculty of Media and Communication Studies, University of Lagos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Media Career Development Network

What is the Media Career Development Network?

The Media Career Development Network is a registered not-for-profit and non-political organization dedicated to promoting excellence in media practice. Originally established as Media Career Service in 2003, we provide training, mentoring, and coaching for journalists and media professionals in Nigeria and beyond.

What services does the Media Career Development Network offer?

We offer a wide range of services including:
Training: Organized by experienced journalists, both local and international, we offer various training programs tailored to different career stages in media.
Mentoring: We provide mentorship to help journalists and media professionals achieve their career goals despite the challenges they face.
Coaching: Beyond training, we offer personalized coaching to students and new employees to sharpen their skills in any area of media.
Research, Networking, and Counseling: We engage in activities that support the professional growth and welfare of media practitioners.

What are the main objectives of the Media Career Development Network?

Our key objectives include:
Promoting excellence in media practice in Nigeria.
Organizing training and providing mentoring support for media professionals.
Producing resources that enhance media career development.
Advocating for freedom of the press in Nigeria.
Creating forums for media professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and receive mutual support.
Protecting the interests and welfare of journalists and media professionals.

Who can benefit from the services offered by the Media Career Development Network?

Our services are available to all categories of journalists and media professionals, including students, new employees, mid-career journalists, and seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their skills or mentor others.

How can I participate in your training or mentoring programs?

You can participate by visiting our website to learn more about our upcoming programs and enroll in the ones that suit your career stage and goals.

What impact has the Media Career Development Network made in the Nigerian media industry?

Since our inception in 2003, we have significantly impacted the Nigerian media industry by:
Empowering Journalists: Through our training and mentoring programs, we have empowered countless journalists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers.
Career Advancement: Many media professionals who participated in our programs have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their careers, taking up leadership roles in major media organizations.
Fostering Ethical Journalism: We have played a crucial role in promoting ethical journalism practices, contributing to the overall improvement of media standards in Nigeria.
Advocacy for Press Freedom: Our advocacy efforts have helped to protect the rights of journalists and promote a more open and free media environment in Nigeria.

Can you provide examples of lives the Media Career Development Network has impacted?

We have positively influenced the careers of many journalists and media professionals across Nigeria. For example:
Successful Career Transitions: Several journalists have transitioned from entry-level positions to leadership roles in their organizations, thanks to our training and mentorship.
Skill Development: New employees and students have sharpened their skills through our coaching programs, enabling them to secure positions in competitive media environments.
Support During Challenges: We have provided critical support to journalists facing challenges on the job, helping them navigate difficult situations and continue to thrive in their careers.

Does the Media Career Development Network engage in advocacy?

Yes, we actively engage in advocacy for the freedom of the press in Nigeria, ensuring that journalists can operate in an environment that supports their rights and professional standards.

How can I contact the Media Career Development Network?

You can reach us through our website’s contact form, via email, or through our social media channels. We’re here to support your media career journey!