MTN MIP 2025, a programme by MTN Nigeria, in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), has announced selected participants to its fourth cohort.
The MTN MIP, launched in 2022, equips journalists and content creators with a deeper understanding of the changing media landscape and the role of technology in shaping the future of communication.
“It’s an honour to welcome the fourth cohort. MIP started as an idea from my team and has become one of the most impactful initiatives I’m proud of at MTN,” says Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria.
In six months, the PAU faculty takes participants through a mix of in-class learning and study visits culminating in South Africa, where MTN’s head office is located.
Entry into the MIP programme is more competitive than entry into Harvard University. This year, the acceptance rate of the MTN MIP was less than 1%, while that of Harvard is around 4%. “Out of over 3,000 applicants, only 20 of you made it—this reflects the calibre of talent we’re nurturing,” adds Okigbo.
A PAU spokesperson, Prof. Ngozi Opara, said, “We are proud to collaborate with MTN in equipping media professionals with the mindset and capabilities to lead in a digital-first, ethically driven media environment. Our graduates don’t just report the news—they shape society.”
Previous editions of the MTN MIP programme include Condia’s Managing Editor, Daniel Adeyemi and HumAngle Sub-Editor, Johnstone Kpilaakaa, alongside other professionals from top digital, print and broadcast platforms.
Some notable names in the 2025 MTN MIP cohort include David Adeleke (Founder of Communique), David Afolayan (Editor-in-Chief, TechNext), and Salem King (Content creator with almost 200k IG followers).
Full list of 2025 MTN MIP fellows
Here is the full list of the fellows selected to participate in the 2025 cohort of the MTN MIP programme (arranged in alphabetical order):
- Adaku Onyenucheya –The Guardian
- Adebayo Adeyemi Micheal – AIT
- Adebayo Rasaq Abolaji – New Telegraph
- Adekeye Emmanuel Ayobami – ADAMIM ’O’ GO 93.1 FM
- Amarachi Nkechi Ubani – Channels Television
- Asukwo Oduo – Pulse Nigeria
- Blessings Mosugu – News Central TV
- Chinwe Peace Micheal – Business Day
- David Afolayan – TechNext
- Desmond Okon – THECABLE
- Edun Rebecca – Megaletrics
- Eshokeme Oludare James – Africa News
- Georgina Ndukwe-Ezeanyika – Arise News Channel
- Precious David-Ogaga – NTA
- Precious Ijeoma Igbonwelundu – The Nation
- Royal Odiri Ibeh – Leadership
- Salem King – Digital Content Creator
- Tega Onojaife – Smooth 98.1 FM
- Vanessa Ukamaka Richard- Bassey – Sparkling 92.3 FM
- Zainab Yetunde Adam – SMK Radio 96.5 FM
As MTN commits to driving innovative media practice in Nigeria, Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN Nigeria, encouraged the fellows to think long-term. “Build capacity, sharpen your skills, and become so grounded in your craft that excellence becomes second nature. Storytelling can spark movements—one idea, one voice can tip the scale. That’s the kind of impact we hope you will make.”
Visit www.mtn.ng/mip to learn more.
