Deadline extended for MTN’s funded media innovation programm

MTN Nigeria has extended the application deadline for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme to Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The MIP is a six-month fully funded programme for media professionals and digital content creators across the country.

The extension was announced in a statement signed by MTN Nigeria’s Public Relations Manager, Lakinbofa Goodluck, on Wednesday.

“The extension provides additional opportunity for qualified media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria to apply for the highly competitive, fully funded programme, which continues to shape the future of storytelling and media innovation in Africa,” the statement read.
The 2026 cohort will admit 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions.

MTN Nigeria said the expansion is tied to its 25th anniversary of operations in the country.

“As MTN Nigeria marks 25 years of connecting people, the Media Innovation Programme represents a parallel investment in the storytellers shaping how that connection is understood, experienced, and amplified across society,” the statement said.

It added, “It underscores a deliberate effort to support a vibrant, independent, and forward-looking media industry evolving alongside the digital economy.”

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Launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, the six-month certificate programme has grown into one of the continent’s prominent media capacity-building initiatives.

It combines academic sessions at PAU with industry engagements and an international study visit to South Africa, which includes sessions at the University of Johannesburg and engagements with leaders across media, business and policy.

“The programme equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks required to lead and innovate within a rapidly changing media and technology landscape,” the statement noted.

Since its inception, the programme has built an alumni network across Nigeria’s media industry, with past fellows going on to occupy senior roles, launch new platforms and contribute to public discourse across print, broadcast and digital media.

The programme is open to practitioners working across print, electronic, digital and social media.

“Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to innovation, impactful storytelling, and continuous professional development,” the statement said, adding that shortlisted candidates would undergo a rigorous selection process before successful applicants commence the programme in May 2026.
Applications are open via the School of Media and Communication website at mtnmip.smc.edu.ng.

MTN Nigeria connects over 87.3 million subscribers and is part of the MTN Group, which operates across 19 countries in Africa and the Middle East.