SKOT Impact Academy, the social impact learning programme of SKOT Communications for early-career public relations and communications professionals, has commenced its third six-week, intensive, tuition-free training programme on 10 October 2026.
Since its launch, the Academy has expanded from an initial cohort of 40 participants to a growing learning community. The second cohort welcomed 60 participants through a hybrid learning model, combining in-person training with virtual participation from Nigeria, Kenya and the United Kingdom.
The programme has received more than 1,300 applications across its three cohorts, reflecting sustained interest in accessible professional development opportunities within the communications industry.
For the third cohort, SKOT Impact Academy received more than 450 applications from Nigeria and other countries. Applicants represented 14 countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Pakistan, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Malawi, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tanzania and The Gambia.
Speaking on the commencement of the third cohort, Tokunboh George Taylor, Founder and CEO of SKOT Communications, said the Academy’s growth reflects both the depth of talent within the communications ecosystem and the need for greater investment in developing that talent.
“When we launched SKOT Impact Academy, we knew there was a need for more accessible and practical pathways into the communications profession. As we begin our third cohort, we see clear evidence of both the demand for this kind of opportunity and the depth of talent that exists within our industry.
But to us at SKOT, the impact and growth of the Academy is not simply about numbers. It is about the people and careers we are able to influence and the contribution they will go on to make to our industry. As the Academy grows, our ambition is to reach more people, deepen the quality and relevance of the programme, and extend its impact across Africa and beyond. We believe this is only the beginning of what SKOT Impact Academy can become.”
The Academy’s growing reach comes as the communications profession continues to evolve amid rapid changes in business, media and digital technology. Today’s communications professionals are expected to go beyond media relations and storytelling to navigate reputation management, crisis communications, digital platforms, emerging technologies, industry trends and increasingly complex stakeholder expectations.
They must also understand how strategic communications supports wider organisational objectives, making practical skills and industry knowledge increasingly important for career development.
SKOT Impact Academy’s tuition-free model seeks to remove the financial barriers associated with professional training, while its intensive curriculum introduces participants to the practical demands of public relations and strategic communications.
The programme complements formal education with practical knowledge, industry exposure and opportunities to learn from experienced communications professionals.
For the Academy, developing the next generation of communications talent involves more than transferring knowledge. It also requires creating an environment where early-career professionals can develop practical skills, professional judgement and confidence alongside a solid understanding of communications principles.
As it enters its third cohort, SKOT Impact Academy’s expanding community of participants and alumni represents an emerging talent pipeline with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the communications industry across Africa and beyond.
Through each cohort, the Academy continues to advance its ambition to make quality professional development more accessible while helping to build a stronger, more practical and better-equipped generation of communications professionals.
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