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Applications Open · 8 June 2026

Young
Communication
Fellowship

Nigeria's foremost youth media mentorship programme. Two intensive weeks. Thirty fellows. Three cities. One mission — to build the next generation of ethical, fearless, platform-fluent communicators.

Abuja Kano Ilorin July – August 2026 Free to Apply
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30
Fellows selected annually across three cities
2
Intensive weeks of hands-on professional training
3rd
Edition — SABRE Africa 2025 shortlisted programme

A fellowship built for
Nigeria's media moment

Launched in 2024 by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) — publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, and Spokespersons' Digest — the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship has rapidly become one of Nigeria's most recognised youth media development initiatives.

"This initiative aims not just to sharpen technical skills, but to instil integrity, responsibility, and national consciousness in every participant."

The fellowship targets Nigerian graduates, NYSC members, and undergraduates aged 20 to 30 who are passionate about journalism, public relations, digital storytelling, and strategic communication. Over two intensive weeks, fellows learn by doing — filing real stories, conducting OSINT investigations, simulating crisis briefings, and producing multi-platform content packages that go into a verified digital portfolio.

In its first two editions, the fellowship produced alumni now serving as media aides, communications officers, newsroom editors, and frontline journalists. It was shortlisted for the SABRE African PR Awards 2025 and has earned endorsements from Nigeria's leading media and communications bodies.

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Professional endorsement partner
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
Professional certification co-partner
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism
Curriculum and investigative journalism partner
Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC)
Crisis communication curriculum partner

"With the older generation gradually retiring, it is essential for young, talented individuals to be ready to take the reins. This fellowship provides an invaluable platform to acquire the essential skills and knowledge required for success in the field of communication."

Dr. Sule Ya'u Board Chairman, Image Merchants Promotion Limited
SABRE
SABRE Africa 2025 Finalist African Public Relations Association · Mombasa, Kenya

Ten days. Ten disciplines.
One digital portfolio.

The fellowship is structured into two transformative weeks. Week One — The Newsroom — pairs daily masterclasses with production labs. Week Two — The Field — moves fellows into real institutions, mentorship sessions, and live assignments.

Day 01
Media Landscape & Orientation
Masterclass
State of Nigerian Media in 2026
Lab Output
My Communication Manifesto (300 words)
Evening
Group reading & introductions
Day 02
News Writing & Editorial Judgment
Masterclass
From Press Release to Breaking News
Lab Output
Live press conference story (500 words)
Evening
Desk editor feedback session
Day 03
Digital Tools & OSINT
Masterclass
OSINT for Journalists — tools, ethics, limits
Lab Output
Local government investigation memo
Evening
Verification roundtable
Day 04
Strategic Communication & Crisis PR
Masterclass
The Art of the Pitch: PR strategy & crisis
Lab Output
Crisis communication plan (pairs)
Evening
Mock press briefing simulation
Day 05
AI, Disinformation & Media Ethics
Masterclass
Truth in the Age of Synthetic Media
Lab Output
SIFT fact-check of three viral claims
Evening
Ethics debate: AI in the newsroom
Day 06
Media Law & FOI Practice
Session
Guest media lawyer — FOI Act in practice
Lab Output
Draft a real or practice FOI request letter
Evening
Discussion: press freedom in Nigeria
Day 07
Institutional Field Visit 1
Activity
Visit to government agency or newsroom
Lab Output
Institutional profile story (500 words)
Evening
Story editing and feedback
Day 08
Multimedia & Social Storytelling
Masterclass
One story, four platforms
Lab Output
X, Instagram, and audio content package
Evening
Mini peer showcase
Day 09
Mentorship + Field Visit 2
Activity
1-on-1 mentorship with alumni/professional
Lab Output
Career action plan (1 page)
Visit
NGO comms, PR agency or newsroom
Day 10
Showcase & Induction Ceremony
Event
Public Fellows Showcase & Exhibition
Awards
Best Fellow · Best Story · Most Improved
Milestone
Certificate & Alumni Network Induction

Three Centres.
One national network.

Each city runs its own independent cohort of 10 fellows simultaneously — same rigorous curriculum, adapted to local media context, guest speakers, and institutional partners.

01
Batch One · FCT
PRNigeria Centre Abuja
14 – 25 July 2026
PRNigeria Centre Abuja
Field visits: NITDA · NCC HQ · NAN / State House Press
10 fellows selected
02
Batch Two · Northwest
PRNigeria Centre Kano
28 July – 8 August 2026
PRNigeria Centre Kano
Field visits: NAFDAC · Daily Trust · Kano Govt Media
10 fellows selected
03
Batch Three · North-Central
PRNigeria Centre Ilorin
11 – 22 August 2026
PRNigeria Centre Ilorin
Field visits: Kwara Govt Press · KWBC / KBS
10 fellows selected

What fellows say

"This nomination is a testament to PRNigeria's relentless efforts in shaping the future of strategic communication in Nigeria and beyond. The creativity, integrity, and innovation that define our work are being recognised on the continental stage."

SY
Salim Yunusa
Abuja Cohort Leader, 2024 Edition

"The initiative continues to be a transformative force in the media space. The mentorship, the field visits, the real assignments — nothing in my four years of university prepared me for professional media practice the way two weeks here did."

BL
Basheer Luqman Olarewaju
Ilorin Cohort Team Lead, 2024 Edition

"This recognition reflects the commitment of our mentor and the PRNigeria team. The YCF gave me the confidence and the portfolio to walk into any media organisation and show — not just tell — what I can do."

AI
Abubakar Musa Idris
YCF 2024 Alumni

Applications open
8 June 2026

The application is free. The fellowship is fully funded. There are no fees of any kind. Preference is given to candidates who demonstrate genuine interest, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn.

Eligibility Criteria

Nigerian citizen aged 20 to 30 at the time of the fellowship
Undergraduate (300L and above), NYSC member, or recent graduate — all disciplines welcome
Able to attend in person, full-time for two weeks in your preferred city
Demonstrated interest in journalism, PR, strategic communication, or media technology
No prior professional experience required — curious beginners are strongly encouraged to apply

Choose your city:

Centre Abuja (July 14)
Centre Kano (July 28)
Centre Ilorin (Aug 11)

Application Timeline

01
8 June 2026
Applications Open
The call goes live across all PRNigeria platforms. Application form available at the link below.
02
22 June 2026
Applications Close
No extensions. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM WAT.
03
30 June 2026
Shortlist Notification
All applicants receive a response. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by email and SMS.
04
7 July 2026
Virtual Onboarding
All confirmed fellows from all three cities join a single online briefing call before the fellowship begins.
05
14 Jul – 22 Aug 2026
Fellowship Runs
Three sequential batches across Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin.

Get Notified When
Applications Open

Drop your details and we'll notify you the moment the 2026 application goes live on 8 June, along with the application guide and tips from past fellows.

This is an interest registration, not the official application. The full application opens on 8 June 2026. The fellowship is completely free.

Backed by Nigeria's
leading institutions

Nigeria Union of Journalists
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism
Centre for Crisis Communication
News Agency of Nigeria
International Public Relations Association
Voice of Nigeria
National Assembly of Nigeria
Supported by the MacArthur Foundation. The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship has received support from the MacArthur Foundation for its emphasis on development journalism, fact-checking, and AI literacy in Nigerian media.

Questions answered

Is there a fee to apply or participate?
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No. The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is completely free. There are no application fees, no participation fees, and no hidden charges. If anyone contacts you claiming to charge a fee on behalf of the fellowship, report it to us immediately.
Do I need a media background to apply?
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No. The fellowship is open to graduates and students from all academic disciplines. We actively want fellows from science, law, business, health, and engineering backgrounds alongside those from mass communication and journalism. What matters is your interest, curiosity, and commitment.
Is accommodation or transport provided?
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The programme is fully funded in terms of training materials, sessions, and field activities. Accommodation and daily transport are not currently provided as standard, but fellows from distant locations are encouraged to make their own arrangements. We advise applying to your nearest city cohort for convenience.
Can I apply to more than one city?
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You may indicate a first and second preference when applying, and you will be considered for your preferred city. However, you can only attend one cohort. Decisions are based on your preferred city and available slots, with priority given to applicants residing in or near the cohort city.
What do fellows receive upon completion?
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Every graduating fellow receives a certificate of completion, a verified digital portfolio of all work produced during the two weeks, induction into the PRNigeria YCF Alumni Network, and lifelong access to professional opportunities shared through the alumni community. Top performers receive named awards.
What is the time commitment like?
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The fellowship runs Monday to Friday for two consecutive weeks, typically 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM WAT. Full attendance is mandatory. Fellows who miss more than two sessions without excuse may be withdrawn from the programme. Plan accordingly before applying.
Can NYSC members apply?
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Yes. NYSC members are among the primary audiences for this fellowship. If you are on primary assignment, you will need to obtain leave of absence from your place of primary assignment for the two-week duration. Many corps members have successfully participated in previous editions.
Who runs the sessions — are they real professionals?
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Yes. Sessions are facilitated by working journalists, PR practitioners, media lawyers, OSINT specialists, and senior communications professionals — not academics teaching theory. Past guests have included ministers, media CEOs, directors-general of federal agencies, and award-winning journalists.

Your moment is now.
Apply on 8 June.

Thirty places. Three centres. One fellowship that has already helped shape Nigeria's next generation of ethical, skilled, platform-ready communicators.