Reporter’s diary: Three months inside PAU’s classroom for future of journalism

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, 25 journalists from across Nigeria’s media landscape gathered at MTN Nigeria’s headquarters in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, for the opening of the fifth cohort of the company’s Media Innovation Programme.

The participants reflected the evolving times of the country’s media industry, a mix of print reporters, broadcasters, digital journalists, content creators and media entrepreneurs navigating a period of rapid technological disruption.

For many of us, the meeting was the first opportunity to meet colleagues they had previously known only through published stories, broadcasts and online platforms. Members of previous MTN MIP cohorts also attended the welcome event, meeting the new participants and sharing experiences from earlier editions of the programme. Their presence underscored the broader network the initiative has built among reporters exploring new approaches to reporting, storytelling and media sustainability.

The fifth cohort began its six-month programme at a time when news organisations globally are reassessing traditional business models, audience engagement strategies and the role of emerging technologies in journalism.

Following the welcome event, the cohort travelled from Ikoyi to Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate, a resort and golf community located along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos. The estate became our temporary home.

Each morning, a coastal bus departed the resort at 7:30 am for Pan-Atlantic University in Ibeju-Lekki, where the programme’s academic sessions were held. The journey typically lasted about 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

At Pan-Atlantic University, we moved away from their usual newsroom routines and into a learning environment focused on innovation, technology and the future of media. The private university provided the setting for us to examine how digital tools, artificial intelligence and new business models are influencing the way information is gathered, produced and distributed.

From the first day, Pan-Atlantic University itself became part of the experience. The campus, located along the Lekki-Epe corridor in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, immediately stood out. From the entrance to the wider environment, there was a clear emphasis on organisation, professionalism, and learning.

The most noticeable feature was the greenery. The campus is filled with trees and carefully maintained open spaces. It appeared to be a deliberate effort rather than just landscaping. The environment communicated a sense of sustainability and reflected the growing importance of how institutions design spaces for learning.

Pan-Atlantic University is home to four major schools: Lagos Business School, School of Science and Technology, School of Media and Communication, and School of Management and Social Sciences.

For MIP fellows, the School of Media and Communication became our academic home. The first day of the programme, Monday, 18 May 2026, began with opening remarks from the Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya.

He said the programme could become another professional experience to add to our résumés, or it could become a period of genuine transformation. His comments immediately established the seriousness of the journey ahead.

“There are two ways in which you can approach this adventure: you can view it as a paid-up jamboree, a chance to simply enjoy yourselves, or you can choose to embrace it as a life-changing chapter dedicated to profound self-development,” the scholar remarked.

“Our ultimate hope is that this programme equips you with cutting-edge skills, not just for your personal career growth, but to empower you to make a tangible difference in your newsrooms, organisations, and communities,” Dr Obiaya added.

He reminded us that while technology continues to reshape the media industry, journalism’s foundation remains unchanged.

“We firmly believe that core media values still hold immense weight and are more sought after today than ever before,” the academic said.

Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, who was not physically present at the opening ceremony, addressed the fellows through a video recorded message, saying, “It is my absolute privilege to welcome the MIP Cohort 5 to this journey. As our largest cohort yet, we are honoured to have you with us.

“We are confident that the knowledge you acquire and the experiences you share throughout this programme will be truly transformational.”

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs at MTN Nigeria, Chineze Gbenga-Oluwatoye, encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity.

“You can and you should. And because you are brave enough to take this step, I have no doubt you will do great things,” she said.

The first day was not limited to lectures and opening remarks. We were also taken on a guided tour of the university, an experience that offered a closer look at the institution beyond the classroom.

Led by a graduate intern, we walked through different parts of the campus, visiting facilities that reflected Pan-Atlantic University’s strong emphasis on practical learning. The laboratories were particularly impressive. They were well equipped with modern instruments and learning tools designed to give students hands-on experience rather than relying solely on theory. It was a reminder that the university places equal importance on knowledge and application.

As we toured the various facilities, one thought stayed with me: even someone who arrived on campus with little interest in learning would likely have a change of heart. Pan-Atlantic University has an environment that naturally inspires curiosity. The calm surroundings, organised spaces, modern facilities and deliberate attention to detail create an atmosphere where learning feels natural. It is the kind of place that reawakens the mind.

The tour also took us to the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Nigeria’s first purpose-built university art museum. Walking through its galleries, we were introduced to an extensive collection of artworks and artefacts spanning different periods of Nigerian history and culture. Beyond preserving artistic heritage, the museum serves as an extension of the university’s educational mission, exposing students to ideas, creativity and history beyond their chosen disciplines.

As the programme progressed, the role of the Course Director and Senior Director, Media and Cultural Studies at Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication, Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, became increasingly visible. He was not just responsible for coordinating lectures, but became the person driving the discipline and pace of the programme.