In Nigeria’s fast-evolving media industry, few institutions command as much respect as the School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
Tucked away on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the school has, in less than two decades, established itself as one of Africa’s most dynamic hubs for training journalists, broadcasters, and communication professionals.
Beyond Theory
What makes SMC stand out is its commitment to bridging theory and practice. Students are not only taught the fundamentals of journalism and strategic communication but are also exposed to industry realities through partnerships with leading organisations.
Courses cut across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, with a strong emphasis on ethics, leadership, and innovation.
“We want our graduates to be both technically skilled and ethically grounded,” explained Dr. Chike Mgbeadichie “The future of media depends on professionals who can combine credibility with creativity.”
The MTN Media Innovation Programme
Among SMC’s most talked-about initiatives is the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a fellowship designed to help Nigerian journalists adapt to the digital-first world. The six-month programme blends classroom sessions with field visits, technology deep-dives, and international exposure.
On a humid morning at MTN Nigeria’s Innovation Centre in Lagos, fellows of the fourth edition (MIP 4) leaned forward as engineers explained how 5G technology will reshape mobile communication. From drone-assisted news coverage to AI-powered analytics, the possibilities seemed endless.
For many participants, it was a rare chance to experience the technology, not just read about it.
“It changed the way I see storytelling,” said one broadcast journalist in the programme. “We are no longer competing on speed alone; we are competing on depth, innovation, and trust.”
Fellows are also exposed to global ideas through study tours, including sessions in South Africa. These experiences push journalists to reimagine the profession in the context of digital disruption and Africa’s development needs.
A Personal Journey
As Class President of the MTN MIP 4 Fellowship, I have witnessed this transformation first-hand. The programme has given me more than new knowledge; it has given me perspective.
What I have gained is a deeper appreciation for the role of innovation in media. I have learned how digital tools can make storytelling sharper, how ethics can anchor credibility in an era of viral falsehoods, and how leadership is as much about service as it is about vision.
The fellowship has also created a strong professional community. My colleagues and I, drawn from across Nigeria’s media landscape, continue to challenge one another to do better, to tell stories with depth, and to use communication as a tool for national development.
The Bigger Picture
SMC’s influence extends beyond the fellowship. The school runs research centres such as the Nollywood Studies Centre and the Centre for Leadership in Journalism, both of which shape scholarship and policy conversations across Africa.
Its faculty members — a mix of academics and seasoned industry hands — ensure that learning is never detached from real-world practice.
This unique blend of research, teaching, and industry engagement explains why the school has become a magnet for aspiring journalists, broadcasters, and corporate communicators.
Looking Ahead
The challenges facing the media are enormous: disinformation, shrinking revenues, and the relentless speed of digital platforms. Yet, Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication is equipping a new generation to meet these challenges head-on.
If there is one lesson the MTN Media Innovation Programme has reinforced for me, it is that journalism must evolve without losing its soul. The tools may change, but the values of truth, fairness, and responsibility remain constant.
And in shaping tomorrow’s media professionals, SMC is quietly proving that Nigeria does not have to look abroad for solutions. The answers, and indeed the future, are being built here at home.
WHAT IS MIP?
The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) is a six-month fellowship hosted by the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University. It equips Nigerian journalists and media professionals with training in digital innovation, leadership, and ethics. The programme includes classroom lectures, industry visits, and international exposure. Since its inception in 2022, it has trained dozens of fellows from across Nigeria’s media landscape.
