SKOT Impact Academy has announced plans to train 200 communications professionals in 2026 through its tuition-free learning programme aimed at equipping early-career talents with practical industry skills.
The academy disclosed the expansion plan while unveiling the second cohort of its communications training initiative, which continues to attract growing interest from young professionals seeking hands-on experience in strategic communications.
Tokunboh George-Taylor, founder and chief executive officer of SKOT Communications, said the increase in applications over the last cohorts reflects the growing demand for practical and execution-focused learning within the communications industry.
“The continued demand and rise in applications for the SKOT Impact Academy reflects a shift towards more practical, application-driven learning in communications,” George-Taylor said.
“Our focus for this year is to train over 200 professionals, ensuring they are equipped with the strategic and executional capabilities required in today’s landscape.”
The tuition-free programme runs for six weeks and is targeted at early-career professionals with one to two years of industry experience. According to the academy, the curriculum focuses on practical learning through case studies, storytelling exercises, strategic communication sessions, and direct engagement with industry experts.
The academy revealed that the second cohort attracted more than 500 applications, highlighting increasing demand for accessible communications training across Nigeria and beyond.
After a competitive screening process, 60 participants were selected for the cohort. Of the number admitted, 40 participants are attending physical classes in Lagos, while 20 others are participating virtually from different locations, including Kenya and the United Kingdom.
SKOT Impact Academy said the adoption of a hybrid learning model is part of efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion, allowing more participants from different countries and backgrounds to benefit from the programme.
“The SKOT Impact Academy will deliver three cohorts in 2026 as part of its expanded tuition-free, six-week intensive programme for 200 early-career communications professionals,” the academy management stated.
“Designed for individuals with one to two years of experience, the curriculum is grounded in practical application, offering hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and direct engagement with industry experts to strengthen participants’ storytelling, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities.”
The academy noted that its broader vision is to develop globally competitive communications professionals while extending its impact across Africa and key international markets.
An alumnus of the programme, Folasola Sodiq, said the training played an important role in shaping his professional growth and improving his approach to communication strategy.
“The SKOT Impact Academy had a significant impact on my career trajectory,” Sodiq said.
“The practical structure of the programme, and exposure to real-world insights strengthened my approach to storytelling and strategy. The knowledge gained has remained relevant in my work and has contributed to my professional growth.”
SKOT Impact Academy said it remains committed to maintaining its tuition-free model despite increasing interest and expanding cohorts, as part of efforts to reduce barriers to entry within the communications industry.
The academy also disclosed that it operates three major programmes under SKOT Academy, including Complements, Master-classes, and Elevate, all designed to support professionals and organisations at different stages of growth.
SKOT Academy describes itself as one of Africa’s leading communications training platforms focused on preparing professionals for the evolving demands of the industry through practical and career-focused learning.
Its parent company, SKOT Communications, is a global strategic communications consultancy with a strong focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, helping individuals and organisations develop and communicate their unique stories effectively.
