By Vivian Emoni
10 young Nigerians have graduated from PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship Programme, 2026 edition for the Abuja centre, after intensive training on practical skills for professional excellence.
The Managing Director of Image Merchants Promotion (IMPR) Ltd., Mr Yushau Shuaib, said this at the graduation ceremony of the fellowship programme on Friday in Abuja.
Shuaib said that 71 persons applied for the 2026 edition at the Abuja centre.
He said out of the number only 10 outstanding candidates were selected to participate in the programme.
Shuaib said the fellowship admits a total of 30 participants annually, with 10 selected from each of the centres in Abuja, Kano and Ilorin.
Shuaib said that the fellowship was established to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills among young communication graduates.
He urged the participants to embrace continuous learning, teamwork and technology to remain relevant in journalism.
“The fellowship is designed to bridge gaps between classroom knowledge and practical communication skills.
“Many graduates possessed theoretical knowledge but lacked practical skills in editing, proofreading, news gathering and other aspects of journalism.
“The programme also exposed participants to strategic communication and emerging technologies shaping journalism and the broader communication industry.
“The training equips young communicators with the use artificial intelligence tools responsibly, detect misinformation and improve the quality of their reports,’’ he said.
The IMPR managing director said participants were also trained on investigative and developmental journalism, adding that the programme was designed to prepare them for diverse communication careers.
He noted that the initiative was driven by the belief that young people needed mentorship, practical training and guidance to contribute meaningfully to society.
He urged young Nigerians to use social media responsibly, rather than for gossip, adding that the platforms could promote patriotism and national development.
He said the fellowship had entered its third year and was being implemented across its centres in Kano, Ilorin and Abuja.
Shuaib said the programme was initially unable to provide accommodation for participants but had become residential following support from stakeholders.
According to him, similar facilities were available in Kano, while the organisation is exploring opportunities to extend its social responsibility activities to more areas.
“The programme is sustainable because it received support from clients, partners and stakeholders who recognised the importance of developing young communication professionals.’’
He said the organisation’s success in the communication industry was also linked to support received from various partners and stakeholders.
According to him, applicants must be graduates, must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and be below 30 years old.
Shuaib advised the graduates to embrace collaboration and teamwork while developing a culture of reading, learning, relearning and unlearning.
He said continuous learning was essential, particularly with the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other technologies transforming journalism and communication.
The National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Abdullahi, commended the mentorship of young communicators, describing it as crucial to preparing the next generation of journalists.
Abdullahi urged stronger collaboration with the institute to increase the number of fellows trained annually, adding that mentorship remained necessary for sustaining the journalism profession.
He advised fellows to understand their purpose, create value and develop innovations that promote national interest, security and unity, adding that Nigeria belonged to all citizens.
Alhaji Ismaila Sani, Chairman, Wonderland Television, said the fellowship enabled participants to exchange ideas, establish contacts and acquired valuable communication skills.
Sani urged the fellows to continue learning, remain creative and adapt to the evolving communication industry, assuring them of Image Merchants’ continued support.
Miss Oyeyemi Abolade, the 2025 best fellow, said the fellowship required sacrifice and commitment, including late-night reading, research, writing and movement.
Abolade urged the fellows to build strong relationships, saying such connections were essential for growth in journalism, while advising the fellows to understand their purpose in journalism and maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
Mariya Bagudo, who emerged as the 2026 best fellow, described the recognition as humbling, expressing gratitude to the judges and her colleagues.
Bagudo thanked the fellows, trainers, mentors and Image Merchants for their contributions to her development, adding that the programme strengthened her existing communication skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
VOE/FEO
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu