Merit is key for the selection of applicants for media opportunities, including fellowships, conferences, awards, and grants, but there is a mix of other strategic considerations writes Media Career Development specialist, Lekan Otufodunrin.
Three hundred and seventy-two journalists applied for Phase One of the 2026 Journalism Fellowship by the Nigeria Network of NGOs. Only three were selected. What informed the selection?
Those selected for the NNNGO’s Fellowship are Vangawa Bolgent, Editor at The Gazette News (Nigeria), representing the North East geopolitical zone; Mr Edward Nnachi, Punch Newspapers’ Correspondent in Ebonyi State, representing the South East zone; and Nkechi Macaulay, Reporter and Producer at 103.5FM Radio One Lagos under the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, representing the South West zone.
There are some factors to note in the selection of the three journalists that might have disqualified other equally strong applicants for the fellowship:
The fellowship will be conducted in phases, so only three candidates can be accommodated in the first phase.
Out of the six geopolitical zones in the country, only three were represented in this phase.
Each of those selected represents a sector of the media: print, broadcast, and online.
The above considerations highlight circumstances that often determine the selection of applicants for various media opportunities beyond meeting general requirements such as years of experience, letters of commitment, and experience in civic space reporting for this fellowship.
When organisers of media programmes say they received many strong applications, including yours, and had difficulty making final selections, they usually mean it. They are not merely trying to sound polite for not selecting you. While many applications may be rejected for not meeting required standards, some strong applications are also dropped simply because of limited slots.
Sometimes, selection panels have to vote, and applicants with more votes are chosen. In some cases, candidates are considered overqualified due to their years of experience or academic credentials. Others may be excluded because they have previously benefited from similar opportunities, making room for those who have not. There are also instances where strong applicants are missed at different stages due to subjective considerations by panel members.
Organisers want to be seen as diverse in their selection and also comply with funders’ requirements.
The key point in this piece is that not being selected for an opportunity does not mean a journalist is not good enough. No one should feel unnecessarily disappointed or depressed about rejection letters. While selection into media opportunities can reflect competence, it does not automatically mean those selected are only the best.
Some individuals may simply have applied for the right opportunities at the right time, while others may need to keep trying until their turn comes by strategically tracking opportunities, building a strong portfolio and seeking feedback to improve applications.
Beyond pursuing major opportunities, journalists should focus on doing quality work, which remains the primary basis for career growth, promotion, and access to future opportunities beyond fellowships, conferences, and awards.
If you are not selected for competitive opportunities, consider enrolling in free or paid online or physical training programmes. Read relevant books and make use of available resources that can help you grow professionally, just as those selected for such opportunities do.
Rejection is not necessarily a verdict on your ability or person. Don’t take it personally. Internalising rejection may make you lose confidence in applying for other opportunities you have a better chance of being selected for.
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