Elegbede Abiodun
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has extended the application deadline for the fifth edition of its Media Innovation Programme, giving prospective applicants until Saturday, April 25, 2026, to submit entries for the fully funded initiative.
The Innovation Programme deadline extension was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the company’s Public Relations Manager, Lakinbofa Goodluck.
The six-month programme is designed for media professionals and digital content creators across Nigeria, with the telecoms giant describing it as a key investment in the future of storytelling and media development.
According to the statement, the extension provides additional opportunity for qualified candidates to apply for the competitive programme, which continues to support innovation within Africa’s evolving media landscape.
The 2026 edition will admit 25 fellows, an increase from the 20 participants selected in previous cohorts, reflecting what the company described as a broader commitment to capacity building.
MTN Nigeria linked the expansion to its 25th anniversary in the country, describing the programme as part of its long-term investment in communication and digital growth.
“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,” the statement read.
The programme, launched in 2022 in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, combines academic learning, industry engagement and international exposure, including study visits to South Africa.
Participants are also exposed to media, business and policy leaders, with the aim of strengthening professional capacity in a rapidly changing digital environment.
MTN said the initiative has grown into one of the continent’s leading media development platforms, producing alumni who now occupy senior roles across Nigeria’s media sector.
The company added that applicants are expected to demonstrate strong commitment to innovation, impactful storytelling and continuous professional growth.
Successful candidates will be selected through a competitive screening process, with the next cohort scheduled to begin in May 2026.
Applications remain open via the School of Media and Communication portal at mtnmip.smc.edu.ng.
