U.S. Consulate Backs MCDN’s Year-Long Journalism Training for Emerging Nigerian Reporters

In a bid to empower the next generation of Nigerian journalists, the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos is supporting a year-long training initiative launched by the Media Career Development Network (MCDN).

Titled the Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic, the program is designed to build the professional capacity of early-career journalists across the country.

Targeted at reporters with less than five years of experience, the initiative will provide intensive, hands-on workshops every two months in Lagos. The sessions aim to enhance participants’ storytelling abilities, promote ethical journalism, and introduce them to tools and techniques for data-driven investigative reporting.

Participants will also gain exposure to open-source digital resources and be connected with seasoned journalists and experts for mentorship. Workshop themes will include reporting on local governance, transparency and accountability, financial journalism, and public health. Special sessions will address the use of anonymous sources, ethical reporting practices, accessing public data, and leveraging social media for impactful storytelling.

Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate, described the initiative as part of the U.S. government’s broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s media ecosystem. “A free and professional press is vital to any democracy,” McKay said. “Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, enabling civic participation, and holding those in power accountable.”

Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, said the program will benefit up to 150 emerging journalists. “This initiative is about equipping young reporters with the skills they need to inform, educate, and uphold the public trust,” he said.

Interested journalists are invited to apply by sending an email outlining their reporting interests to info@mediacareerng.org. Selected applicants will be contacted ahead of each bi-monthly clinic.

Media Contact:
Dayo Emmanuel
Programme Manager
Media Career Development Network
0803 337 4017