Community Journalism Mentoring Programme 2027 – Call for Applications
Community Journalism Mentoring Programme 2027 – Call for Applications
Joey Off-Air is inviting applications from interested students of tertiary institutions in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States for the maiden edition of its Community Journalism Mentoring Programme.
The four-month mentorship programme is designed to equip university students in Nigeria’s North Central region with practical journalism skills to promote social accountability, combat misinformation, strengthen social cohesion and improve public service delivery.
The programme will run from January to April 2027, combining practical training, professional mentorship and hands-on reporting experience.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom journalism education and practical newsroom experience by providing students with professional guidance, editorial feedback and opportunities to publish their work.
Participants will develop the skills to:
- Identify and expose gaps in public service delivery.
- Hold institutions accountable through evidence-based reporting.
- Counter misinformation through fact-checking and verified information.
- Promote understanding and social cohesion across communities.
- Develop practical journalism skills and professional portfolios.
Programme Modules and Training Areas
Selected participants will receive training and mentorship across seven core areas:
- Reporting and Storytelling.
- Audio-visual and Multimedia Storytelling.
- Journalism Standards and Ethics.
- Fact-checking and Misinformation.
- Social Accountability and Public Interest Reporting.
- Conflict-sensitive Reporting and Social Cohesion.
- Policy Writing and Public Communication.
What Participants Will Gain
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Dedicated mentorship in ethical storytelling, social accountability reporting and digital storytelling.
- Masterclasses delivered by accomplished African journalists and professional storytellers.
- Practical guidance on developing a strong journalism portfolio.
- Opportunities to publish their stories on Joey Off-Air platforms.
- Editorial feedback and professional newsroom experience.
- Mini story grants for three exceptional story pitches.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is open to students of tertiary institutions in the following states:
- Benue State.
- Nasarawa State.
- Plateau State.
Applicants should have an interest in building a career in journalism, storytelling, media and public interest reporting.
Programme Duration
January – April 2027.
Application Deadline: 15th November 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified students should complete the online application form through the official programme application portal.
Students from eligible institutions are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
