TVC News journalist Zainab Akande has been selected for the UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology (UK MEET) Fellowship after emerging among successful applicants from more than 500 submissions from Nigeria and Ghana. The fellowship, organised by Imperial College London through Imperial Global Ghana, with support from the British High…...
TVC News journalist Zainab Akande has been selected for the UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology (UK MEET) Fellowship after emerging among successful applicants from more than 500 submissions from Nigeria and Ghana.
The fellowship, organised by Imperial College London through Imperial Global Ghana, with support from the British High Commission, is designed to strengthen science journalism and improve public understanding of emerging technologies.
The programme focuses on areas including artificial intelligence (AI), climate technology, biomedical innovation and health technology, equipping journalists with the skills to investigate technological developments and report their implications for society.
According to the organisers, Akande’s application stood out for her reporting track record, clear editorial perspective and proposed story idea.
According to them, each eligible application was independently assessed by two reviewers, with 13 per cent of applicants selected.
The programme commenced with virtual sessions on October 6 and 8, ahead of a residential training scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 18 to 24.
During the residential programme, fellows will engage with researchers working on emerging technologies and learn how to investigate claims beyond press releases.
Participants will also undergo practical training on developing and refining story pitches, including sharpening story angles, identifying credible sources and preparing publication plans.
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The President of Imperial College London, Prof Hugh Brady, announced the 2026 Ghanaian and Nigerian cohort in a LinkedIn post.
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Brady said the programme would equip journalists and content creators to improve their reporting on science, innovation and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, climate risk, biomedical innovation, the circular economy and electronic waste.
He said, “The UK MEET Fellowship is a programme for science journalists and content creators from Ghana and Nigeria to strengthen and inspire their reporting on science, innovation, and emerging technologies, focusing on wide-ranging topics from artificial intelligence and climate risk to biomedical innovation, the circular economy and e-waste.”
According to him, evidence-based science journalism has become increasingly important amid the spread of misinformation, rapid technological changes and complex global challenges.
“Evidence-based, trusted science journalism has never been more essential. In a world of rapid technological change, misinformation and increasingly complex global challenges, our policymakers, leaders, and educators need accurate, accessible reporting that helps them understand what’s at stake, ask informed questions and make sound decisions,” he said.
The training is expected to help fellows produce rigorous, evidence-based stories that offer the public a clearer understanding of scientific and technological developments.
The organisers said the programme would also provide opportunities for participants to build professional networks with science and technology reporters across the region.
The Abuja training will further serve as a platform for fellows to strengthen their story pitches for possible consideration for a UK Knowledge Exchange at Imperial College London in late November 2026.
According to the organisers, fellows who demonstrate strong application of the skills acquired during the residential programme and develop rigorous, evidence-based pitches will be considered for the exchange.
Those selected will have the opportunity to engage with researchers at Imperial College London and gain first-hand insight into the science behind their proposed stories.