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.

This significant move paves the way for Skot Communications to build upon a legacy of excellence and innovation both locally and internationally, leveraging the existing portfolio of clients, talent and expertise in communications consultancy through the agreement.

The company, based in Nigeria and the UK, is founded by Tokunboh George-Taylor a communications leader with over 30 years in the industry and the pioneering Managing Director of Hill+Knowlton Nigeria.

She was instrumental in establishing the firm as a successful player in the market, providing strategic communications counsel and exceptional service to clients across diverse industries.

Skot believes that that the human voice is the most powerful thing in the world. Without it, change is silenced, and with it, impossibility becomes possible.

The company is guided by the principle that every individual and corporate has a unique story to tell, it is finding your voice that makes all the difference.

The company leverages its expertise, creativity, and innovative ideas, to not only define, redefine, or amplify voices, but to create real connections; connections that grow relationships and loyalty to deliver results that can be measured.

With deep understanding of Africa’s business landscape aligned with global best practices, Skot Communications brings unparalleled expertise in strategic & corporate communications, internal communications, content marketing & storytelling, digital & influencer media, crisis management and public affairs/advocacy as well as event management services.

Skot is established across sectors including Financial & Professional services, Energy, Consumer Services, Technology, Healthcare, Entertainments & Sports, Education & Women.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new journey as Skot Communications” said Tokunboh George-Taylor, Founder/CEO. “Building upon the strong foundation laid by Hill+Knowlton, Skot Communications is committed to delivering the highest standards of public relations and communications services to our clients, with local and global insights to drive transformative growth. We remain dedicated to exceeding expectations while simultaneously expanding our offerings to adapt to the evolving Nigerian market and media communications landscape.

Skot Communications is driven by a mission to connect brands, organisations and people to the voice that best represents and defines them, growing authentic relationships and loyalty whilst delivering measurable results so that partners can reach their goals and realise their full most powerful potential.