Reflecting on my journey as a journalist since 1996 feels like revisiting a bygone era. In those days, optimism, pen, paper, and perhaps a tape recorder were our tools. PCs were a rarity, and the internet was merely a concept we read about in foreign publications. Fast forward, and we witnessed a seismic shift with the digital transformation of newsrooms. The arrival of GSM telephony in 2001 further revolutionized reporting, enabling real-time access to sources, a breakthrough only surpassed by subsequent advancements in mobile and internet technology.

Today’s pace of technological change is staggering, marked by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and augmented and virtual reality, which present unprecedented innovations — and challenges. AI tools like ChatGPT now enable machines to generate content, blurring the line between human-authored and machine-generated work. Rijul Gupta, founder of ‘Deep Media,’ notes this technological progression will soon render AI-produced images and videos indistinguishable from reality. This raises ethical concerns around the reliability of information and the role of journalism in maintaining public trust.

In Nigeria, digitization has radically reshaped media operations. Yet, this shift has been marred by the erosion of journalistic integrity. Many platforms now publish homogenized press releases, losing the exclusives that once defined prominent journalists. Journalists themselves face systemic challenges — delayed salaries, limited career growth, and inadequate training. These issues are exacerbated by the rise of AI, making this a pivotal moment for the industry.

In the face of these challenges lies opportunity. Now is a critical time for journalists to uphold investigative and ethical standards in an era of content saturation and automated reporting. However, achieving this requires robust investment in technology and talent, ensuring that journalists can deliver quality, engaging content. The opportunity to reach a tech-savvy, younger audience has never been more promising.

Recognizing this potential, MTN launched the Media Innovation Programme (MIP) in 2022 in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos. This fellowship equips journalists across all media spectrums with essential skills to thrive in the digital age. Over six months, participants engage in workshops covering communications, technology, and business management, empowering them to embrace innovation and secure the industry’s future.

MIP goes beyond classroom training, offering a study visit to South Africa’s University of Witwatersrand, exposing journalists to a global perspective. Running through 2024, our program aims to match the transformative impact of renowned fellowships like those at Yale or Desmond Tutu’s.

Our first cohort of fellows, representing Nigeria’s diverse regions, embarked on an immersive experience with mentors from prominent organizations like BusinessDay, Bloomberg, BBC, PUNCH, and Premium Times. Visits to tech and academic hubs provided hands-on exposure to advanced media and telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing their technical capabilities.

The early results are promising, with improvements in storytelling quality and technology use among fellows. MIP is the first corporate-backed, large-scale journalist training initiative in Nigeria, a model other organizations could replicate. As we welcome our 2023 cohort, we are excited about amplifying our impact on Nigeria’s media landscape.

The innovative approach of MIP earned recognition with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2023 IN2 SABRE Awards, acknowledging MTN’s commitment to advancing media capacity in Nigeria. This recognition, awarded in Frankfurt, Germany, represents the dedication of our team working to empower Nigerian journalists for a digitally driven future.