NAN Editor, 24 others selected for 2026 MTN media fellowship

Usman Aliyu, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria, has been selected alongside 24 other journalists, content creators, and media practitioners for the 2026 MTN Media Innovation Programme.

Aliyu was selected from thousands of applicants for the six-month fellowship sponsored by MTN Nigeria and facilitated by the School of Media and Communication (AMC), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU).

The programme, which commenced on May 18, 2026, is designed to promote innovation, digital competence, and professionalism among Nigerian media practitioners.

The fellowship includes training sessions spread across six months and a study visit to South Africa scheduled for September 2026.

In a letter conveying Aliyu’s admission into the programme, High Chief Isaac-Ogugua Ezechukwu, Director, Professional Education at SMC, PAU, said the selection process involved applications, essay submissions and video interviews.

“We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to participate in the Media Innovation Programme (MIP), fully sponsored by MTN Nigeria,” Ezechukwu said.

In a separate congratulatory message to Aliyu, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Nigeria, described his selection as a reflection of his professional experience and commitment to impactful journalism.

“Being selected from thousands of applications is no small achievement, and your selection reflects not only your professional experience, but also the depth of purpose behind your work,” he said.

Okigbo commended Aliyu’s reporting experience in remote communities and his focus on health, education, governance, climate change and digital transformation stories.

According to him, Aliyu’s interest in solutions journalism aligns with the need for constructive and impactful media practice in Africa.

Aliyu, who has about 15 years of journalism experience, is an ex-fellow of the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative and has reported extensively on health, climate change, governance and community development issues in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MTN Media Innovation Programme is regarded as one of the leading media capacity-building initiatives in Nigeria, aimed at equipping journalists with digital and innovative storytelling skills.