Twenty-five media practitioners and digital content creators have been selected for the fifth cohort of the MTN Nigeria Media Innovation Programme (MIP) implemented in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University.
The selected fellows, according to a statement by MTN, include:
- Agbetiloye David Dekunle (Business Insider Africa)
- Adeniyi Fatima Adetoke (NotJustOk)
- Adetola Kayode (Lagos Television)
- Ajibola Tolulope (Silverbird Television)
- Aliyu Usman (News Agency of Nigeria)
- Augoye Jayne (Premium Times)
- Collins Christopher (News Central Television)
- Dan-Ikpoyi Veronica (TVC Communications)
- Dike Chiamaka Patricia (Focus on Africa, BBC)
- Elumenoh David (Tech Content Creator)
- Eseimokumoh Denise Loliaba (Marie Claire Nigeria)
- Fosudo Oluwafisayo (Tech Content Creator)
- Godfrey Progress (Vanguard Media Limited)
- Itiafe Glory Ugonma (Diamond 88.5 FM)
- Kasali Qudus Oluwasegun (Nigerian Tribune);
- Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim (Halal Reporters)
- Ofonedu Sarah (Inspiration FM)
- Okamgba Justice (The Punch)
- Onwuka Emmanuel (Nigeria Info FM)
- Oyesanmi Ifeduyi (TechCabal)
- Sabastine Emmanuel (Team 33 Production)
- Taiwo Kafilat ( Data journalist, Media Trust Group)
- Thomas-Odia Ijeoma (The Guardian Woman, The Guardian)
- Ugwu Amarachi Deborah (Rhythm 93.7 FM) and
- Ukachukwu Nneka (Voice of Nigeria).
This year’s fellows were selected from a pool of applicants across print, broadcast, digital media, and content creation, reflecting the programme’s growing reputation and influence within the industry. In commemoration of the techo’s 25th anniversary, the cohort has been expanded from 20 fellows in previous editions to 25 for the year.
The six-month programme, which commenced on Monday, May 18, 2026, will enable the fellows to receive intensive education focused on media innovation, digital transformation, strategic communication, storytelling, and leadership development both in Nigeria and during their one-week study visit to South Africa
Speaking on the first day of the programme, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, described the initiative as a reflection of the company’s commitment to innovation, partnership, and continuous 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. 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,” he said.
Also speaking during the session, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, encouraged the fellows to recognise the programme as more than a professional milestone, describing it as a transformative experience designed to prepare them to make meaningful contributions to the media industry and society at large.
“The media space today faces significant challenges, and this programme equips participants not just for personal development, but to make a real difference. 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,” he said.
MTN reiterates its commitment to supporting journalism and advancing media excellence in Nigeria, while empowering professionals who continue to shape important conversations across the continent.
READ ALSO: Editorial: MTN’s top-notch media training programme
