MTN MIP Archives - Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/mtn-mip/ Tech | Business | Economy Sun, 28 Sep 2025 07:04:25 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-techeconomy-logo-32x32.jpeg MTN MIP Archives - Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng/tag/mtn-mip/ 32 32 199702177 Damilola Fowowe on the Power of Storytelling as Africa’s Most Vital Infrastructure https://techeconomy.ng/damilola-fowowe-storytelling-africa-infrastructure/ https://techeconomy.ng/damilola-fowowe-storytelling-africa-infrastructure/#respond Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:33:17 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=168212 Against this backdrop, Damilola’s mission, to build replicable, dignified stories of success, feels less like a passion project and more like a continental necessity.

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If you stacked every fintech advert in Lagos, three out of five would probably show a smiling person, a rocket emoji and a promise to “change lives.” The other two would be arguing about fees. 

That noise is exactly why Damilola Fowowe’s work is indispensable, not because he can shout louder, but because he chooses to tell the stories that actually move policy, change people’s choices and widen what success looks like in Africa.

The scale of the continent’s storytelling gap is appalling. According to Reframing African Media (2025), less than 30% of the content Africans consume is locally originated, and only 12% of African youth say they see themselves accurately represented in mainstream narratives. 

Yet this is the youngest continent in the world, with an average age under 20. Nigeria alone saw over 1.2 million young people enter the job market in 2024, while youth unemployment remains a stubborn challenge, in part because networks, mentorship and visibility are still lacking. 

Against this backdrop, Damilola’s mission, to build replicable, dignified stories of success, feels less like a passion project and more like a continental necessity.

“I want to build something from a nascent stage and be proud that through media, through communications, through strategy, we’re able to make it happen in Africa.” 

His words may sound simple, but they’re laced with intent. He doesn’t see media as decoration but as a lever that can shift culture, open doors, and change the conditions for millions of young people navigating an unforgiving labour market.

That conviction is backed by statistics. Today, 65% of Africans across 39 countries rely on radio or digital media at least a few times a week to access news. But access to digital storytelling is still uneven along gender, education, and income lines. 

The corporate world has begun to respond. MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, launched in 2025, is training journalists across 16 countries with digital storytelling, data journalism and entrepreneurial skills. 

Damilola Fowowe stands at the same crossroads, arguing that African narrative must not only expand but also prioritise dignity; “One principle of storytelling is, write for the heart. Always write for the heart.”

The heart of his work is dignity, and nowhere is this clearer than in Hopes and Threads, the community initiative he helped found. In Lagos, over 60% of school-age children in low-income communities lack access to basics such as school uniforms. Damilola recalls watching a child’s whole posture shift after receiving a new one. 

However, he and his team refused to turn that moment into online content. “We’re not going to post the children because we didn’t want to turn them into content. We don’t want them growing up, Googling themselves, and finding their faces from when they were young being used as content.” 

That choice aligns directly with a 2025 Afrobarometer finding: 72% of Africans now believe media should prioritise dignity and truth over sensationalism.

Damilola Fowowe on the Power of Storytelling

This same approach has created ripple effects inside boardrooms. At Interswitch, Damilola pushed for a campaign to include the story of an adoptive mother. The result was not just clicks, but policy. “And because of that action, the company decided to place the adopted child on HMO, even though it went against existing policy. They later rolled out new guidelines ensuring adopted children could also enjoy health benefits.” 

This is the kind of change that statistics can’t fully capture: a single story transforming how a corporation treats families.

For Damilola, versatility is not vanity. “Wear as many hats as possible,” he says. “…you can be a Jack of all trades and master of all.” He believes ideas can flex to any space, whether constrained by a shoestring budget or powered by millions. “Ideas can thrive no matter what space, no matter what limitations exist…they can fit into any box you put them in.”

His sights are also set on sectors that rarely get dignified airtime, especially agriculture which employs nearly 50% of Africa’s workforce but contributes only about one-fifth of the continent’s GDP. 

In Nigeria, cocoa exports brought in over $780 million in Q4 2024, but less than 10% of raw cocoa is processed locally, meaning most of the value slips away abroad. For Damilola Fowowe, the problem is storytelling. “There are a whole lot of stories we can tell from our agricultural sector that are not premised on the old ‘I’m a farmer from one poor village…’”

Damilola Fowowe on the Power of Storytelling

In reframing agriculture as a chain of innovation and opportunity, storytelling can help capture value downstream, create jobs, and redefine how Africans see themselves.

Underlying all of this is his vision for success: “Success for me is that we can democratise movement, we can democratise motion for every single person in Africa. Whoever you are, you should have the tools, the resources, and the expanded horizons to say, Ah, okay, this is something I can be.” 

This reiterated the demographic urgency of the continent. With Africa’s median age under 20, and millions of young people entering work each year with limited options, replicable stories of dignity and agency may be the only real blueprint for resilience.

Five years from now, through storytelling and many more, Damilola Fowowe wants his impact measured not in personal accolades but in multipliers: “I want you to be told that I inspired as many people as possible, thousands of people who are successful in their own right, defining success in their own way, and not pressured to conform to a specific path just because they feel they have to in the bid to be successful.”

One hour with him leaves you less dazzled by buzzwords and more convinced by evidence; one story changed corporate policy, one uniform changed a child’s sense of self, and one sector’s reframed story could add billions to GDP. 

Damilola doesn’t build castles in the air, he builds ladders. And if Africa’s sustainability and resilience depends on anything, it is on more people climbing those ladders, and more storytellers confident enough to build them.

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NSACC at 25: How MTN Media Innovation Program Strengthens Nigeria–South Africa Ties https://techeconomy.ng/nsacc-25-mtn-media-innovation-nigeria-south-africa/ https://techeconomy.ng/nsacc-25-mtn-media-innovation-nigeria-south-africa/#respond Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:23:18 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=166141 At the anniversary breakfast meeting in Lagos, leaders from business, academia, and the media stressed that stronger cross-border reporting and cultural exchange are essential to building trust, trade, and cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies

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The Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) marked its 25th anniversary with the unveiling of a new logo and a dialogue on diplomacy, where the MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP) was spotlighted as a unique tool for enhancing bilateral relations. 

At the anniversary breakfast meeting in Lagos, leaders from business, academia, and the media stressed that stronger cross-border reporting and cultural exchange are essential to building trust, trade, and cooperation between Africa’s two largest economies.

Dr Ije Jidenma, chairman of NSACC, stressed the importance of developing a new generation of media professionals who can drive economic and diplomatic progress.

We need to emphasise a generation of media professionals who are not just content creators, but like I said, they are capitalists,” she said.

According to her, cross-exposure for journalists in both countries would “create a more nuanced understanding of our shared values,” encourage balanced reporting, and “support business partnerships rooted in trust and context.”

NSACC at 25_MTN MIP Strengthens Nigeria–South Africa Ties

MTN’s Media Innovation Program as a Diplomatic Tool

Tobechukwu Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability officer at MTN Nigeria, presented the company’s Media Innovation Program (MIP), developed in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University.

We launched at the Lagos Business School. The intent was to get the media in Nigeria to understand the telecommunications industry, not just MTN, but to understand the entire telecommunications industry,” he said.

The six-month fellowship, fully sponsored by MTN, exposes participants to the company’s operations, regulatory engagements, and a study trip to South Africa. Okigbo noted: “We see how people abuse the media space, fake news and so on. Whatever is accurate, and factual is not just to the media, but to the country itself.”

He added that the fellowship has taken on a diplomatic role, with the long-term goal of making it “central to the conversation at Bi-National Commission level.”

“MTN is an African company… we invest as aggressively as we do in Nigeria… The intention is, Africa, for Africa to stand,” he stated.

He also announced plans to continue the fellowship into its ninth cohort, expand training to include project management, and use cultural exchanges such as music and film to strengthen ties. “The aim is to ensure the program builds sustainable bridges.”

Academia’s Perspective

Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, described the media as central to shaping foreign relations. He explained that coverage influences public perception and can either strengthen cooperation or fuel division.

With the Media Innovation Program and the partnership with MTN, we see the heights to which such collaboration can get to,” he said at the NSACC 25th anniversary, linking the initiative to the university’s mission of forming competent and ethical professionals.

A Panel of Journalists

Again, at the NSACC 25th anniversary, a panel of past fellows, including CNBC Africa’s Akinkunmi Obakeye, Channels Television’s Amarachi Ubani, Nifemi Oguntoye of TVC, and Oluwadunsin Sanya of BellaNaija, shared how the MTN MIP program influenced their work.

When we speak better about what happens, there’s a lot that goes on, from point A up to point B,” the panellists said, adding that exposure made journalists “a little bit more sympathetic, not just judging from one side.” Another participant stressed, “Media is beyond storytelling; it’s diplomacy, action, and collaboration. It’s not a single story. It’s a very diverse one.”

Diplomatic Lens

South Africa’s Consul-General in Lagos, Dr Bobby J. Moore, pointed out that perceptions remain one of the greatest challenges between the two nations.

One of the greatest issues facing South Africans and Nigerians is perception. And what does a perception do? It becomes a reality over a period of time, and it becomes a lived experience,” he said.

While acknowledging the influence of social media, Dr Moore called for reciprocity, suggesting that South African journalists should also be given opportunities to visit Nigeria under the program.

Private Sector as Architects of Progress

Closing the session, Dr Jidenma urged more companies to emulate MTN’s investment in capacity building:
We are not just talking about it. We are not just observers of progress, but architects of it.”

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Pan-Atlantic University Selects 20 Participants for maiden Cohort of MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP) https://techeconomy.ng/pan-atlantic-university-selects-20-participants-for-maiden-cohort-of-mtn-media-innovation-programme-mtn-mip/ https://techeconomy.ng/pan-atlantic-university-selects-20-participants-for-maiden-cohort-of-mtn-media-innovation-programme-mtn-mip/#respond Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:00:17 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=75797 At the end of the training, MTN MIP Fellows will also have access to professional resources and mentorship from SMC’s faculty. 

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The School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University has announced the 22 media practitioners selected for the first edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme.

During the six months fully funded fellowship by MTN Nigeria, the twenty (20) MIP fellows will engage in intensive sessions on courses covering modern income streams for journalists, creativity and innovation, entrepreneurship and management principles, 5G, IoT and blockchain technology, business and media ethics, strategic planning skills, among others. 

1. Chima Akwaja (Leadership Newspaper);

2. Peter Oluka (Techeconomy.ng);

3. Adeyemi Adepetun (Guardian Newspaper);

4. Wasilat Azeez  (The Cable Newspaper);

5. Uhuotu Omilabu (Inspiration FM);

6. Damilola Fajinmi (Megalectrics);

7. Sakina Ahmed (Fombina FM);

8. Abidemi Dairo (Channels Television);

9. Mike Okwoche (TVC News);

10. Vanessa Obioha (Thisday Newspaper);

11. Temitayo Jaiyeola (Punch Newspaper);

12. Elsie Godwin, (a digital content creator);

13. Agbonkhese Oboh (Vanguard Newspaper);

14. Nahimah Ajikanle-Nurudeen (AP News);

15. Ejekwonyilo Ameh (Premium Times);

16. Daniel Adeyemi (TechCabal);

17. Samson Akintaro (Nairametrics);

18. Razaq Ayinla (BusinessDay);

19. Esther Ndu (Arise News);

20. Ugo Onwuaso (Nigeria Communications Week),

21. Michael Orodare (Neusroom) and

22. Blossom Deji-Folutile are part of the first cohort of the Media Innovation Programme (MIP).

“My goal from this programme is to be able to create a digital platform that will complement the existing broadcast platform in my organisation and at the same time boost the company’s revenue. Ultimately, I am optimistic that being part of this programme will make my dream to become a media entrepreneur even after retirement a reality,” said Sakina Ahmed.

The selected applicants were chosen from over 1,200 applications submitted during a call-for-applications phase which commenced on April 27, 2022 and ended on May 5, 2022. Selections were based on performance from a written test as well as a statement of purpose (SOP) submission. In-person sessions commenced on May 23, 2022 to run for six months till December 10, 2022. 

The selected fellows will also travel to South Africa to study the media business, Pan-Africanism and the role of development media through a programme with the University of Witwatersrand, one of Africa’s leading universities in media training. Participants will also carry out practical group projects that will be presented at the end of the programme before graduation, where an outstanding storyteller will be awarded a grant to participate in and cover MTN Foundation’s key initiative, ‘What Can We Do Together?’

“This opportunity will expand my storytelling capacity, through first-person exposure to technological practices both in Nigeria and across Africa, deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape and exposure to case studies from leading organisations in the sector. I am excited to see the kind of stories that will be birthed from this level of training,” remarked Daniel Adeyemi during the opening session.

At the end of the training, MTN MIP Fellows will also have access to professional resources and mentorship from SMC’s faculty. 

The School of Media and Communication previously known as Centre for Media and Communication (CMC) was established in 2006 by the Pan-Atlantic University to train professionals who will uphold the highest intellectual, ethical and professional values that promote creativity, critical knowledge, technical perfection, social responsibility, and the spirit of enterprise.

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MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP) Commences at SMC-PAU https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-media-innovation-programme-mtn-mip-commences-at-smc-pau/ https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-media-innovation-programme-mtn-mip-commences-at-smc-pau/#respond Fri, 27 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=75691 “As media practitioners, you must think for yourself, so we ‘the industry’ do not tell you things which are not as though they were..."

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MTN Nigeria Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP), a six-month fully funded fellowship, in partnership with the School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), in Lagos, commenced on May 23, 2022.

Media practitioners drawn from media houses across Nigeria, made it to the first stream of the three-year programme.

MTN MIP was formally launched on April 27, 2022 and will cost the technology company over 300 million naira.

MTN MIP 1
L-r: Anthony Osae-Brown, Bureau Chief, Nigeria, Bloomberg; Prof. Enase Okonedo, Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University; Karl Olutokun Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, and Ayo Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer, Smooth Promotions, at the launch of the MTN Media Innovation Programme held at Honeywell Auditorium, Lagos Business School on Wednesday 27 April, 2022

“We are driven by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world and are driving accelerated growth by leading digital solutions for Nigeria’s progress. Against this backdrop, the media landscape continues changing at remarkable speeds, boosted by new technologies. Thus, it is only fitting that we support developments in the Nigerian media space with our infrastructure and enable capacity building initiatives to enable innovation in media practice.

“It’s a delight to partner with the Pan-Atlantic University, who, through their expertise, have contributed to the professional development of the media industry, not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, noted during the launch event.

On her part, Professor Enase Okonedo, Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, said: “The School of Media and Communication was established to train professionals who will uphold the highest intellectual, ethical and professional values that promote creativity, critical knowledge, social responsibility and the spirit of enterprise. The MTN Media Innovation Programme could not have come at a better time for Nigerian media practitioners to imbibe these pertinent values.”

MTN MIP -1 Class:

In his remarks, Dr. Mike Okolo, Dean, School of Media and Communications, PAU, congratulated the participants, numbering 20, who were selected from more than 1200 applicants.

“It took us about a month to conceive the course outline due to content generation and support (sponsorship). Now, the programme is loaded with great contents and the facilitators are seasoned and reputable personalities.

“More than a thousand people applied for this programme, but you were selected after rigorous appraisal of the applications. The essence of MTN MIP is to put the lessons to work post-learning.

“What we desire is to make changes in the society which the participants should become SMC’s ambassadors. It costs a lot of money to develop the content and the MTN Nigeria’s decision to foot the bills was borne out of the shared value to see the media impact the industry better.

“Never let the work stop you from achieving knowledge. Burn the candle”, the Dean challenged the participants. 

Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, the Chief Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria, further highlighted that MTN MIP as a platform for the practitioners to unlearn, learn and relearn.

“As media practitioners, you must think for yourself, so we ‘the industry’ do not tell you things which are not as though they were. You must query some industry statistics; analyze certain claims to help the society make informed decision by knowing the truth. Interrogate the numbers; that is what sets you apart”, Okigbo charged the participants.

He further said that MTN as a group believes in shared values with the stakeholders, which for instance, informed the management’s decision to commit $25 million to in support of COVID-19 vaccination programme.

He added that as a Nigerian company, MTN believes in honest, objective and fair reportage; and will continue to obey the rules while challenging some issues in court, to ensure that no party is surcharged.

Isaac-Ogugua Ezechukwu, Director Professional Education, School of Media and Communications at Pan-Atlantic University (owned by the Pan-Atlantic University Foundation (PAUF), a non-profit foundation registered in Nigeria), reiterated the MTN MIP programme revolves around three key areas: Telecom industry; Media innovation, and Writing & Reporting.

He is the Programme Administrator while the programme coordinators are Idu Oruamabo and Opeyemi Gazalil.

Click HERE to continue reading on MTN MIP-1 2022

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MTN MIP Making a Difference in the Media Landscape https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-mip-making-a-difference-in-the-media-landscape/ https://techeconomy.ng/mtn-mip-making-a-difference-in-the-media-landscape/#respond Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:46:18 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=156105 The MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP), a six-month fully-funded certificate fellowship designed for media professionals, is redefining journalism and content creation in Nigeria. Now in its fourth year, MIP, launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, is empowering journalists, broadcasters, and content creators with the tools […]

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The MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP), a six-month fully-funded certificate fellowship designed for media professionals, is redefining journalism and content creation in Nigeria.

Now in its fourth year, MIP, launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, is empowering journalists, broadcasters, and content creators with the tools to adapt, innovate, and thrive in today’s challenging media landscape.

Interested journalists, bloggers, and content creators can apply for the MIP 2025 here.

Despite promising forecast that the market value of the Nigerian entertainment and media industry will grow from US$9.0bn in 2023 to US$13.6bn in 2028,  the media sector has since grappled with issues such as limited access to training, financial instability, and the rapid decline of traditional revenue models.

With digital platforms disrupting how news is consumed and monetised, journalists and media owners must rethink their approach.

MIP provides a structured learning environment where media professionals gain first-hand exposure to new industry trends, digital transformation, and the intersection of media and ICT. From data journalism to audience engagement strategies, participants leave the program with actionable skills that are shaping the future of storytelling in Nigeria.

A standout feature of MIP is its international study visit to South Africa, where fellows engage with leading media institutions, visit MTN Group’s headquarters, and participate in hands-on training sessions at the University of Johannesburg. This global exposure provides invaluable insights into how media practitioners in other markets are leveraging technology and innovation to stay ahead.

For many participants, this has been a career-defining experience.

Juliet Tontoye, vice-president, MIP Cohort 3, describes the program as ‘a turning point.’

“When we share our experiences with our colleagues at our respective media houses, we realize that the program’s benefits and impact are easier to experience than explain. In the past three months, MIP has been such an eye-opening journey. It’s a fellowship every media professional needs to experience. MTN has been such a wonderful host and we know this costs millions of Naira. However, we believe it will have a profound impact on our colleagues,” she said.

Beyond individual impact, MIP is helping reshape the media industry by fostering collaboration and leadership.

By bridging the gap between traditional journalism and digital innovation, the program ensures that fellows graduate not just as better storytellers, but as industry disruptors with a mission to create lasting change.

The program’s 60 alumni, now spread across Nigeria’s top media organisations, are applying their knowledge to revolutionise newsrooms, create digital-first content strategies, and introduce sustainable business models.

According to Tobechukwu Okigbo, chief corporate services & sustainability officer, MTN Nigeria:

“When we launched MIP in 2022, our goal was to enhance media professionals’ reporting capabilities and deepen their understanding of the technology sector, empowering them to become true media innovators. Seeing the impact of the programme over the past three years has been both inspiring and humbling. We are proud to continue this initiative and invite all eligible media professionals and content creators to seize this opportunity by applying for the fourth cohort.”

Similarly, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, stated:

“SMC will leverage its extensive experience in training media professionals to equip this next cohort. And we will do this with our usual emphasis on creativity and ethics.”

With over 60 fellows trained since its inception in 2022, MIP is building a network of media advocates who are championing ethical reporting, storytelling innovation, and the smart use of technology in journalism.

MTN Nigeria has invested over NGN 300 Million in building Nigeria’s media industry in the past three years through its partnership with PAU.

As applications open for the 2025 cohort, the program continues to attract top-tier talent eager to take their careers to the next level and contribute to the transformation of Nigerian media.

For journalists, broadcasters, and content creators looking to future-proof their careers, the MTN Media Innovation Program is more than just a fellowship—it is a movement that is reshaping the industry, one fellow at a time.

Interested journalists, bloggers, and content creators can apply for the MIP 2025 here.

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Shaping the Media in Nigeria: A Case Study of the MTN Media Innovation Program https://techeconomy.ng/shaping-the-media-in-nigeria-a-case-study-of-the-mtn-media-innovation-program/ https://techeconomy.ng/shaping-the-media-in-nigeria-a-case-study-of-the-mtn-media-innovation-program/#respond Wed, 27 Nov 2024 12:43:32 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=148403 In a world that is increasingly interconnected and reliant on information, the media stands as one of the most vital institutions within a democracy. Its role goes beyond mere reporting. It shapes opinions, informs decisions, and holds governments accountable. With a growing democratic landscape and an evolving media industry, the importance of skilled media practitioners […]

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In a world that is increasingly interconnected and reliant on information, the media stands as one of the most vital institutions within a democracy. Its role goes beyond mere reporting.

It shapes opinions, informs decisions, and holds governments accountable. With a growing democratic landscape and an evolving media industry, the importance of skilled media practitioners in Nigeria cannot be overstated.

The MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP), a six-month fellowship launched in 2022, is designed to address this critical need by equipping media professionals with the skills and knowledge required to innovate and thrive in this dynamic environment.

The program, a partnership between MTN Nigeria and the School of Media & Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), has trained over 60 media practitioners since its inception.

With a rich curriculum delivered through seminar-like classroom sessions and industry tours, participants are empowered to create impactful content and tell stories that truly matter. In doing so, the program not only elevates individual careers but also strengthens Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

By fostering innovation in the media, MIP is positioning itself as a crucial tool in the development of a well-informed and engaged society, one of the fundamental pillars of any functioning democracy.

Democracy thrives on the ability of its citizens to make informed decisions. Without a free and robust media, this capacity is severely diminished.

The media is often referred to as the “fourth estate” because it plays a crucial role in providing checks and balances to government actions, alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The press informs the public of societal issues, scrutinises those in power, and ensures transparency in governance. When the public is well-informed, democracy is fortified; when information is absent, democracy falters.

In Nigeria, where political, social, and economic challenges continue to evolve, the role of the media has become more critical than ever.

MTN Media Innovation Program
MIP 2 Fellows [PHOTO Credit: BHM]
The MTN Media Innovation Program recognizes this and focuses on developing professionals who can navigate these complexities. From broadcast to print, digital and broadcast, the program addresses the diverse needs of the media landscape, fostering practitioners who can meet the demands of an informed society.

We live in an era where technological advancements are reshaping how information is consumed. The rapid evolution of digital platforms means that traditional media outlets must adapt or risk becoming obsolete. Moreover, misinformation and fake news pose significant threats to democratic societies by distorting public perception and undermining trust in institutions. For media practitioners to thrive in this new environment, continuous training is essential.

The MTN Media Innovation Program has been at the forefront of this mission, equipping participants with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

The training is rigorous, combining academic excellence with practical experience.

Participants are not only taught the technical skills required for modern journalism but are also immersed in ethical journalism practices, ensuring that the stories they tell are fact-based, impartial, and impactful.

Through their engagement with the program, many of the fellows have become leaders in their respective fields, driving innovation in radio, television, and online media platforms.

Some of the MIP graduates have been instrumental in creating content that resonates with diverse audiences, while also maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

The ability to produce high-quality, fact-checked content is more important than ever in a society where the public’s trust in the media is increasingly fragile.

The fellowship also offers international exposure through tours and visits. This exposure broadens the fellows’ perspectives, enabling them to compare global media practices and adopt international standards of excellence in their work.

The recent cohort had the opportunity to visit key media and cultural institutions in South Africa, gaining insights that are invaluable to their growth as professionals.

While the MTN Media Innovation Program has made significant strides, for Nigeria’s media industry to fully realise its potential, greater support is needed from both the government and other industries.

The government must recognize the media’s pivotal role in democracy and provide an enabling environment for media practitioners to flourish. This includes supporting initiatives like the MIP and creating policies that protect press freedom and promote transparency.

The media should not be seen as a peripheral industry, but rather as a cornerstone of national development.

By investing in media practitioners, organisations can contribute significantly to the long-term health of Nigeria’s democracy.

Stories told by well-trained journalists shape public opinion, inspire civic engagement, and bring accountability to public and private sectors alike. The impact of such investment extends across society, enriching everything from politics to business and culture.

This is a call to other corporate entities to follow MTN’s lead and recognise the media as a vital partner. The media industry thrives on collaboration, and private sector investment in media development programs is essential. When industries support media advancement, they aren’t just investing in better storytelling, they’re strengthening the very structures that allow businesses, technologies, and communities to flourish.

Beyond national borders, the MTN Media Innovation Program also presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its bilateral relationships.

The media exchange visits organised as part of the programme allow Nigerian journalists to learn from their South African counterparts and vice versa.

By sharing best practices and learning from each other’s experiences, media professionals from both countries can develop a more nuanced understanding of the African media landscape.

This exchange is essential in countering the often-skewed international narratives about Africa. When African journalists tell African stories, the result is more authentic and representative of the continent’s diverse cultures and challenges.

MTN Media Innovation Program
MIP 3 Fellows in a group photo with MTN and SMC-PAU executives [PHOTO Credit: BHM]
As the program continues to grow, it is imperative that its momentum is sustained. The media landscape across Africa is rapidly changing. New technologies, platforms, and consumer behaviours are constantly emerging, and media professionals must remain ahead of the curve.

The MTN Media Innovation Program is not just a training initiative; it is a call to action for the entire media industry.

It is a recognition that media practitioners are key players in shaping public discourse, influencing policy, and ensuring that democracy functions as it should. With continued support from the government, private sector, and international partners, this program can evolve into a continent-wide initiative, setting the standard for media excellence in Africa.

The record already shows that the MTN Media Innovation Program has made an impact on the Nigerian media landscape, but its true potential lies in its ability to inspire future generations of media practitioners and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

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APPLY – MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP-3) Opens for Applications https://techeconomy.ng/apply-mtn-media-innovation-programme-mtn-mip-3-opens-for-applications/ https://techeconomy.ng/apply-mtn-media-innovation-programme-mtn-mip-3-opens-for-applications/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:59:47 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=127921 The six-month, fully-funded certificate fellowship, which includes a study visit to the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and an innovation hub to incubate ideas, is open to media practitioners across all strata of the media industry including the print, electronic and online platforms.

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MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the School of Media & Communications, Pan-Atlantic University have announced call for applications from qualified media practitioners to participate in the 3rd edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP-3), which will commence on May 20, 2024, at the Main Campus of the Pan-Atlantic University, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. 

MTN Nigeria in collaboration with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, launched the Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP) in 2022 to enable media practitioners gain deeper insight into the ever-evolving media landscape.

The six-month, fully-funded certificate fellowship, which includes a study visit to the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and an innovation hub to incubate ideas, is open to media practitioners across all strata of the media industry including the print, electronic and online platforms. The programme is also open to social media content creators.

Speaking on the impact of the programme, Tobechukwu Okigbo, chief corporate services & sustainability officer, MTN Nigeria said:

The media play a crucial role in shaping the society. It is important that they are enabled with tools and opportunities to do their jobs better as this ultimately benefits the society. Our commitment is to continue to empower media practitioners, regardless of platforms, to be able to innovate and create technological-driven solutions to our world. This is what the MTN Media Innovation Programme seeks to accomplish.”

On his part, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, the dean, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, stated that the programme brings into play the wide experience that the School has in the training of media practitioners.

In our various programmes targeted at journalists, we at the School of Media and Communication have always laid a lot of emphasis on the importance of creativity, ethics and professionalism. The Media Innovation Programme is one more opportunity to drive home these values but with a new emphasis on innovation. Journalism remains as important as ever to the society, and it is driven by the same values, but journalists require a retooling to meet the technological changes and challenges of today. This is the role that the Media Innovation Programme aims to play, and we are quite happy to be able to partner with MTN to achieve this goal”, Dr. Obiaya said.

At the end of the training, the 20 successful applicants will qualify as Fellows for the 2024 cohort.

The Fellows would be coached on Nigeria’s technology sector, the relationship between media and technology, and equipped with the skills to adapt to the changing realities that guarantee career and financial success in their professional practice.

MTN MIP Fellows will also have access to professional resources and mentorship from PAU’s erudite faculty.

How to Apply to MTN MIP

Interested journalists, bloggers and content creators can apply for the Fellowship using the link HERE.

Applications open on Friday March 23 and close Wednesday April 10, 2024.

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Meet the 2023 Fellows of the MTN Media Innovation Programme https://techeconomy.ng/meet-the-2023-fellows-of-the-mtn-media-innovation-programme/ https://techeconomy.ng/meet-the-2023-fellows-of-the-mtn-media-innovation-programme/#respond Tue, 30 May 2023 12:38:11 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=103235 …The 20 successful fellows emerged from over 2,700 applicants The School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, has announced the 2023 fellows for the second edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP). The 20 successful fellows emerged from over 2,700 applicants. The MTN MIP seeks to expose fellows and empower media practitioners with the […]

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…The 20 successful fellows emerged from over 2,700 applicants

The School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, has announced the 2023 fellows for the second edition of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP).

The 20 successful fellows emerged from over 2,700 applicants.

The MTN MIP seeks to expose fellows and empower media practitioners with the knowledge to transform their industry. 

At the end of the six months of training, the fellows will have a greater understanding of Nigeria’s technology sector and the nexus between media and technology. 

They will also join an exclusive network of professionals with access to resources and mentorship from SMC’s erudite faculty.

Congratulations to the fellows! The world is constantly changing, and media practice has been altered with advancements in technology.

The modern media practitioner needs to remain innovative, which is the essence of the MIP. We have seen the impact of the programme among media practitioners and are motivated by the value this cohort will bring to media practice in Nigeria,” 

– Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria said.

The fully-funded programme includes a certificate fellowship, a study visit to the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa as well as to MTN Group Headquarters.

Here are the 2023 fellows:

  • Abbas Jimoh, Assistant Editor, Media Trust Group (Daily Trust Newspapers);
  • Abdulrasheed Hussain, News Editor, Premier Radio 102.7 FM, Kano;
  • Adediran Olufemi Adeleke, Correspondent, New Telegraph Newspaper;
  • Anuoluwapo Temitope Odubanjo, Founder/Content Writer, FabWoman Nigeria;
  • Ayomide Oguntimehin, Chief Editor, www.soccernet.ng;
  • Babajide Awoyinfa, Principal Correspondent, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN);
  • Basit Jamiu, Human Interest and Diaspora News Editor, Legit Nigeria;
  • Chinedu Chidi, Editor, Special Projects, Ripples Nigeria;
  • Chinenye Francisca Anuforo, ICT Correspondent, The Sun Newspapers;
  • David Michael Oputah, Managing Editor, BizWatch Nigeria Limited;
  • Efunnuga Oluwaseun Yemisi, Marketing and Content Associate, Pulse Nigeria;
  • Elizabeth Modupeoluwa Musa, TV Producer/Presenter, News Central Television;
  • Emmanuel Erhunwhunse Paul, Managing Editor, TechPoint;
  • Ezinne Glory Alozie, Reporter/Editor/News Producer, Darling 107.3FM;
  • Frank Eleanya, Head of Technology Desk, Business Day;
  • Okonji Emmanuel, ICT Editor, ThisDay Newspapers;
  • Okoye Ukamaka Perpetua, West Africa Correspondent, Deutsche Welle (DW);
  • Todah Opeyemi, Senior Editor, Zikoko Citizen;
  • Victor Ogunyinka, Managing Editor, Online, Nigerian Tribune;
  • Victory Wilson Chinedum, Newscaster, TV Presenter & Producer, Silverbird Television.

Watch a summary of their first week:

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