MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the School of Media and Communications at Pan-Atlantic University have joined together to present the third version of the MTN Media Innovation Programme.
This information was shared in a statement provided to The PUNCH on Wednesday.
The goal of this joint effort is to empower media professionals by giving them a special chance to take part in a six-month, fully-funded certificate fellowship.
Starting on May 20, 2024, at the primary campus of Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the MTN Media Innovation Programme aims to provide media experts with a deeper understanding of the quickly changing media landscape.
MTN explained that participants will gain valuable insights into different aspects of media innovation through an intensive curriculum, including a visit to the University of Johannesburg in South Africa and access to an innovation hub for developing ideas.
At the conclusion of the training, the 20 successful applicants will be designated as Fellows for the 2024 cohort.
The Fellows will be mentored on Nigeria’s technology sector and the connection between media and technology, as well as equipped with the skills to adapt to the changing realities that ensure a successful career and financial prosperity in their professional practice.
Fellows will also have the opportunity to access professional resources and receive guidance from PAU’s knowledgeable faculty.
Regarding the impact of the program, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, stated, “The media play a crucial role in shaping the society. It is important that they are provided with tools and opportunities to do their jobs better as this ultimately benefits 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,” he said.
On his part, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, said that the program draws upon the vast experience of the School in training media professionals.
“In our various programs aimed at journalists, we at the School of Media and Communication have always placed a lot of emphasis on the significance of creativity, ethics, and professionalism. The Media Innovation Programme provides another opportunity to emphasize these values but with a new focus on innovation.
“Journalism remains as important as ever to society, and it is driven by the same principles, but journalists need to be re-equipped to confront the technological changes and challenges of today. This is the role that the Media Innovation Programme aims to fulfill, and we are quite pleased to be able to partner with MTN to achieve this objective.”
