THE President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, has lauded the PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship (PYCF) for nurturing the next generation of media and communication professionals, describing the initiative as a vital investment in the future of journalism.
News Point Nigeria reports that Abdullahi made the commendation at the graduation ceremony for the 2026 Abuja Cohort, held at the newly commissioned PRNigeria Academy in Lugbe, Abuja, which was donated by the Founder of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo.
Ten young Nigerians graduated from the Abuja centre after completing a two-week intensive residential programme designed to equip participants with practical skills in journalism, public relations, strategic communication, fact-checking, digital media and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Abdullahi commended Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest, for sustaining the fellowship, and urged stronger collaboration with the union to expand the number of beneficiaries annually.
The NUJ President characterised mentorship as indispensable to the growth of journalism and encouraged the graduates to become professionals whose work would advance national development.
“You must understand your purpose, create value and develop innovations that promote national interest, security and unity. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have a responsibility to contribute positively to its development,” Abdullahi said.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IMPR, Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib, disclosed that the 2026 edition attracted 691 applications from across the country, with only 30 candidates selected—10 each for the Abuja, Kano, and Ilorin centres.
He said the fellowship was established to bridge the gap between academic training and the practical demands of modern journalism and strategic communication. Applicants must be graduates under 30 years of age and have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
“The fellowship is designed to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical communication skills,” Shuaib noted. “Many graduates possess theoretical knowledge but lack practical competence in editing, proofreading, news gathering, fact-checking and other core aspects of journalism.”
According to the expert, participants also receive training in investigative and development journalism, crisis communication, multimedia storytelling and emerging technologies transforming the media landscape.
Shuaib explained that the programme places particular emphasis on the responsible application of artificial intelligence, equipping participants with the skills to use AI tools ethically, detect misinformation and improve the quality and credibility of their reports.
He urged the graduates to embrace continuous learning, collaboration and innovation, stressing that success in today’s communication industry depends on the willingness to read, learn, relearn and adapt to emerging realities.
Shuaib also advised young Nigerians to use social media responsibly, describing digital platforms as powerful tools for promoting patriotism, national development and constructive public discourse rather than gossip and misinformation.
The publisher said the fellowship, now in its third year, has continued to expand, supported by clients, partners and stakeholders who recognise the importance of developing ethical and competent communication professionals.
Shuaib revealed that the programme, which initially operated on a non-residential basis, had become fully residential following stakeholder support, with facilities established in Abuja and Kano. Plans were underway to extend the initiative further.
Chairman of Wonderland Television, Alhaji Ismaila Sani, called the fellowship “a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing and professional growth”. He counselled the graduates to remain creative, embrace lifelong learning and adapt to the rapidly evolving communication industry, assuring them of IMPR’s continued support.
The 2025 Best Fellow, Miss Oyeyemi Abolade, emphasised that the fellowship’s demanding nature required discipline and commitment, with rigorous reading, research, writing and field assignments. She urged the new graduates to nurture the relationships built, as professional networks are essential for career growth and success in journalism.
Best Fellow of the 2026 Abuja Cohort, Mariya Bagudo, described the honour as humbling and inspiring. She thanked the organisers, trainers, mentors and colleagues for fostering her personal and professional development, saying the fellowship strengthened her communication skills and deepened her understanding of ethical journalism and strategic communication.
Launched in 2024, the fully funded annual PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship is one of the nation’s most competitive media mentorship programmes, continuing to produce young professionals who are contributing to newsrooms, corporate communications, public relations and media organisations.