The School of Media and Communication (SMC), the Pan-Atlantic University has announced the 22 media professionals selected for the first edition of the MTN Media Innovation Program.
During the fully-funded six-month fellowship MTN Nigeriathe twenty (20) MIP Fellows will participate in intensive sessions on courses covering modern income streams for journalists, creativity and innovation, principles of entrepreneurship and management, 5G technology, IoT and blockchain, business and media ethics, strategic planning skills, among others.
1. Chima Akwaja (leaders newspaper);
2. Peter Oluka (Techeconomy.ng);
3. Adeyemi Adepetun (Journal Guardian);
4. Wasilat Azeez (The Cable Newspaper);
5. Uhuotu Omilabu (Inspiration FM);
6. Damilola Fajinmi (Megaloelectricity);
7. Sakina Ahmed (Fombina FM);
8. Abidemi Dairo (Television Channels);
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 (Business Day);
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 Program (MIP).
“My goal from this program is to be able to create a digital platform that will complement the existing broadcast platform in my organization and at the same time increase revenue for the business. Ultimately, I am optimistic that being part of this program will make my dream of becoming a media entrepreneur even after retirement a reality,” said Sakina Ahmed.
The selected candidates were chosen from more than 1,200 applications submitted during a call for applications phase which began on April 27, 2022 and ended on May 5, 2022. The selections were based on the performance of a written test as well as a declaration of intent (POS). In-person sessions began May 23, 2022 to last six months until December 10, 2022.
Selected scholars will also travel to South Africa to study the media sector, Pan-Africanism and the role of development media as part of a program with the University of the Witwatersrand, one of Africa’s leading universities for training media. Participants will also complete practical group projects to be presented at the end of the program before graduation, where an outstanding storyteller will receive a grant to participate and cover the MTN Foundation’s key initiative, “What Can We Do together ?
“This opportunity will broaden my storytelling ability, through first-person exposure to technology practices in Nigeria and across Africa, a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape, and exposure to case studies from industry-leading organizations. I’m excited to see the kind of stories that will come out of this level of training,” Daniel Adeyemi remarked during the opening session.
Upon completion of the training, MTN MIP Fellows will also have access to professional resources and mentorship from SMC faculty.
The School of Media and Communication formerly known as the Center for Media and Communication (CMC) was established in 2006 by Pan-Atlantic University to educate professionals who will uphold the highest intellectual, ethical and professional values which promote creativity, critical knowledge, technical perfection, social responsibility and entrepreneurship.
