The Academy, a social impact initiative of SKOT Communications, received nearly 400 applications in its first call for entry this August, a response that revealed the industry’s hunger for structured, accessible training. 

The first cohort begins on Saturday, September 13, with physical classes in Lagos running every weekend until October 25.

Speaking at the launch, Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO of SKOT Communications, shared her motivation for starting the Academy:

“I’ve been in communications. I’ve been a PR publicist for 31 years, and I thought it was important to give back to the sector that has shaped me as a person. I remember when I started, I studied economics, went into PR by mistake, and I had to find my feet. I decided to launch the SKOT Impact Academy to give professionals with one or two years in PR a foundational six-week course.”

George-Taylor added that her long-term vision is to make the Academy a PR hub for Africa, combining local insights with international expertise.

“My dream is to shape professionals into global storytellers. People underestimate what we do as communications professionals. We ensure that your story is told, whether for government, corporates, or individuals. They need to be armed with the necessary tools to do it.”

The Academy will run in three cohorts each year, a physical session in Lagos, a virtual edition in Q1 2026 to reach participants outside Nigeria, and a hybrid programme mid-year. In between, SKOT Communications will host specialised masterclasses for professionals with more than two years of experience through its Elevate platform.

International facilitators have also pledged their support, with experts covering areas such as crisis management, storytelling, and the use of new technologies in communications.

In her keynote, Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun, chairperson of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), commended the launch as a turning point for the industry:

“In a world where knowledge of hope comes with a price, this institution is free of charge. Nigeria today, we are almost paying for the air that we breathe, and somebody comes to say, give you free training for six weeks in a cosy place like this, with international facilitators. This is more than an academy, it is a symbol of hope, a centre of excellence, a centre that makes you know that you count even without skills or years of experience.”

She noted that the Academy would help instil values the profession is losing, truth, responsibility, service, dignity in labour, and ethical standards.

Voices from the First Cohort

Some of the first participants also shared their excitement. Mercy Kalu, one of the trainees, said, “I was that kid that always had ‘she talks too much’ on every report card. That part of me has led me into communications. The SKOT Impact Academy is not just about storytelling and PR, it’s about creating communicators that change perception and build trust.”

Another participant, Nancy, spoke on George-Taylor’s influence on her career. “GT is so good at what she does, and she wants everyone around her to have that same level of excellence. Seeing the SKOT Academy come alive is proof of the value she’s poured into us over the years.”

Other speakers, including Habiba Balogun, CEO of Habiba Balogun Consulting, and experts such as Comfort Nwankwo, former chairperson of NIPR Lagos, and Mr Frank, commended the initiative as more than just training but the building of an institution that would outlast its founder.

For George-Taylor, the SKOT Impact Academy represents an investment in people and also a personal milestone.

“I never started an academy before. Everything we’re doing, we’re learning on the ball. But my dream is that this Academy will stand as the foundation for future leaders who will tell Africa’s stories with clarity and power.”

With Lagos as its launch base and a vision that stretches across Nigeria and the continent, the SKOT Impact Academy targets becoming a vital talent pipeline for the next generation of communicators.

At this year’s edition, Nigerian campaigns led by Chain Reactions Africa and Integrated Indigo in collaboration with globally renowned brands and government institutions secured top honours across multiple categories, affirming the country’s rising global influence in the communications industry.

The Nigerian entries stood out among thousands of submissions across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, earning five highly coveted SABRE Awards:

1. Diamond SABRE Award – Company of the Year

IndomieHeroesAward — Indomie Noodles with Chain Reactions Africa

This award recognises the organisation that has demonstrated the most impressive reputation management over the past year.

2. SABRE Award for Superior Achievement in Research and Planning

OdourPandemic — Nivea with Chain Reactions Africa

Awarded for excellence in insight-led campaign development and execution.

3. Healthcare Category

OdourPandemic — Nivea with Chain Reactions Africa

Celebrating outstanding public relations efforts in the healthcare sector.

4. Public Sector/Government Category

Striking Gold — Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy (FMACCE) with Chain Reactions Africa.

Recognising impactful communication that bridges government policy with public engagement.

5. Financial Communications Category

NB Rights Issue Campaign — Nigerian Breweries with Integrated Indigo.

Honouring effective financial communication strategy and execution.

Speaking on the historic win, Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, stated:

“These awards are not just a win for the agencies and their clients, but a national triumph. They showcase the creativity, strategy, and global relevance of Nigerian public relations. We commend Chain Reactions Africa, Integrated Indigo and their clients for flying the Nigerian flag high and setting a new benchmark for excellence in the African communications landscape.”

She further emphasised that the wins reflect the transformative role of strategic communication in enhancing brand equity, influencing public policy, and solving societal problems.

As consultants, it is important to be aware of their role as role models who should be rendering tangible services, building institutions and also innovating as there is a huge paradigm shift taking place every day, he noted.

The renowned industrial economist made the call during his presentation at the 2nd edition of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) Breakfast Meeting held to discuss ‘The Business of Consulting,’ and how consulting firms and clients can win in a VUCA economy.

ALSO READ: 12 Things Every Public Relations Professional in Corporate Sector Should Do in 2023

The industry expert pointed out the need for PR practitioners to deploy cutting-edge tools and embrace best global practices in their service offering because the world events change at the speed of light. He noted that, innovation is the next step for customers convenient.

The lecture, designed to enable PRCAN members plan for economic head-winds and anticipate inherent opportunities in the Nigerian economy, saw a number of industry practitioners in attendance.

Commenting at the event, Mr Israel Jaiye Opayemi, PRCAN President, said: As consultants, we need to stay ahead of the curve, and we need to be ahead of our clients across the industries that we service by investing more in research and acquiring data across sectors to be well informed and equipped to deliver rich value to clients.

“When you look at the growth rate of the service industry and its contribution to the GDP of Nigeria over the last 2 years, the service industry has been doing great. Public Relations and communication consultants are significant players in the service growth. We don’t want to be the catalyst that changes things but doesn’t change itself; we want to see evidence of the growth in our businesses.”

In his remark, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the president, African Public Relations Association (APRA), stated that, going with the trend is the strategy in itself to help PR practitioners to be relevant in the industry. He therefore encouraged practitioners to run their businesses as perception consultants.

The event which held at Mike Adenuga Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, witnessed a roll call of dignitaries in the marketing communications industry, some of whom include Mrs. Comfort  Nwankwo, Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. John Ehiguese and Chido Nwankanwa, both past Presidents of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN).

Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) is the association of Public Relations Consultancy firms in Nigeria.

PRCAN is legally chartered by a By-Law No. 3, 1993 of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), to cater to the interests of the consultancy side of PR practice in Nigeria. The sectoral body of public relations consultancy practice in Nigeria currently has a membership of over 60 firms who provide services across at least 21 PR practice areas.

The Agency was so adjudged at the just concluded 8th edition of the ‘African Quality Achievement Awards (AQAA) 2022’, organized by African Quality Institute and World Quality Alliance, held at the Banquet Hall of the Sheraton Hotel & Towers Ikeja. 

The eminent judges, who are selected professionals across the African Continent, having nominated various agencies, rated PFCAfrica Communications as the best in this category.

The team of judges took into consideration Quality Delivery Indices to critical stakeholders at their various touch points. These indices  include but not limited to the following: Customer Service, Performance & Efficiency, Value Delivery and Customer Satisfaction.  

Reacting to the award, Mrs. Funmilayo Erikitola, the Practice Manager & Head of Client Relations of PFCAfrica Communications, said “the award will further encourage the agency to focus on delivering quality across the value chain, as we deliver on our Public Relations & Marketing Communications mandates to our select clientele, which includes admired brands, local large corporates and multinationals in Nigeria and across the African Continent”. 

Erikitola, said further “the wins has further demonstrated PFCAfrica Communications offering of multi-specialist concept of holistic corporate communications management, with maximum quality delivery as the rallying point for all levels of management and every member of staff”. 

The Africa Quality Achievement Awards is organized in recognition of exceptional contributions of individuals and corporate organizations to building their local markets, market segments, and Africa economy as a whole.