Zikoko Next Gen Intern Fellowship: The Ultimate Opportunity for Aspiring Nigerian Storytellers
Nigeria is a country teeming with stories—stories that are funny, dramatic, heartbreaking, and undeniably real. Whether it’s the daily grind of navigating power outages, the highs and lows of relationships, or the rich tapestry of youth culture, Nigerian life is full of experiences that deserve to be told. And there’s one platform that’s become a cultural hub for documenting and amplifying these stories: Zikoko.
Now, Zikoko is offering young, talented Nigerians an incredible opportunity to join their mission as part of their Next Gen Intern Fellowship. But this isn’t just any internship—it’s a chance to step into the world of digital media, learn from the best, and shape the conversations that define youth culture in Nigeria.
So, if you’ve ever read a Zikoko story and thought, I could write this—or even better, this might just be the break you’ve been waiting for.
What is the Zikoko Next Gen Intern Program?
The Zikoko Next Gen Intern Fellowship is a full-time, graduate-level internship that offers an exciting, hands-on experience for young Nigerian writers and creatives. Based in Lagos, this fellowship is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and exposure needed to kickstart your career in digital media.
However, this isn’t your typical internship where you fetch coffee or run errands. Zikoko’s Next Gen Interns will get the opportunity to dive deep into the world of storytelling, content creation, and cultural commentary. You won’t just be writing articles—you’ll be contributing to a platform that influences thousands of young Nigerians daily. You’ll have a chance to learn how to create viral content, tell compelling stories, and understand what drives digital conversations.
Who Should Apply?
If you’re someone who’s obsessed with culture, has an opinion on everything, and can’t stop creating—whether it’s through writing, memes, or TikTok videos—then this internship is for you. Zikoko is looking for individuals who are not only great writers but also culture shapers. You don’t have to have a traditional writing background, but you do need a strong sense of how to connect with people, make them laugh, and maybe even make them think.
Here’s who Zikoko wants to hear from:
The Dreamers: The ones who spend hours scrolling through Twitter, commenting on threads, and brainstorming new ideas.
The Storytellers: Whether it’s writing hilarious take-downs of popular culture or deeply reflective essays about Nigerian society, Zikoko wants individuals who know how to craft a narrative.
The Critics: You’re not afraid to voice your opinions, whether it’s about the latest Gen Z dating trend or the crazy world of Nigerian reality TV.
The Trend-Spotters: You live and breathe internet culture, and you’re able to predict and ride the waves of viral trends before they hit the mainstream.
If you’re someone who loves telling stories and has an understanding of digital media, this could be the perfect stepping stone into your career.
What Will You Learn?
The Zikoko Next Gen internship offers much more than just an opportunity to write articles—it’s an immersive training program designed to hone your skills as a digital content creator. Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll learn during the fellowship:
- Storytelling Mastery: Zikoko doesn’t just publish any content—it creates compelling, engaging, and impactful stories. As a Next Gen Intern, you’ll learn the art of storytelling, from understanding how to structure articles that keep people hooked to learning how to tell stories through various formats like social media threads, videos, and listicles.
- Writing for the Digital Age: Writing for Zikoko isn’t about being stuffy or academic—it’s about being engaging, witty, and relatable. You’ll learn how to create content that resonates with an online audience and understand what makes a post go viral. This means knowing how to write not just long-form articles, but snappy tweets, humorous memes, and thought-provoking threads.
- The Fast-Paced World of Digital Media: Zikoko moves quickly, and so will you. Whether it’s writing an in-depth feature one day or creating a viral social media post the next, you’ll need to adapt fast and keep up with the ever-changing landscape of digital content. This internship will teach you how to think on your feet, work under tight deadlines, and produce high-quality content quickly.
- Multimedia Skills: In today’s digital world, content isn’t limited to just text. Zikoko is looking for interns who can work across multiple media formats. Whether it’s designing engaging visuals on Canva, editing video content, or crafting SEO-friendly headlines, you’ll gain practical skills that will make you a well-rounded content creator.
- Collaboration and Feedback: While the internship offers a lot of autonomy, it also fosters a collaborative environment. You’ll learn how to take constructive criticism and work with a team to improve your content. Great content is often created through feedback and teamwork, and at Zikoko, this is a key part of the learning process.
What Makes Zikoko Stand Out?
Zikoko is not just a media company—it’s a cultural institution in Nigeria. Over the years, it has built a loyal following by telling stories that resonate with young Nigerians. Zikoko’s content is funny, raw, relatable, and often tackles the tough issues that are important to Nigerian youth. From dissecting the complexities of relationships to chronicling the absurdity of everyday life, Zikoko’s approach to storytelling is one that has captivated a generation.
This internship is your chance to contribute to that mission and learn from one of the most innovative digital platforms in Nigeria today.
How to Apply?
If all this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, then it’s time to take action. To apply for the Zikoko Next Gen Intern Fellowship, you’ll need to submit your application before the deadline on April 11, 2025. Here’s what you’ll need:
A Writing Sample: Zikoko is looking for people who can write with flair, humor, and insight. Include examples of your best work, whether it’s articles, blog posts, social media threads, or any other form of writing.
A Personal Statement: Tell them why you’re passionate about storytelling and digital media. What makes you the perfect fit for this internship?
Your Resume: Highlight any relevant skills or experience you may have, particularly those related to writing, content creation, or media.
The application process is competitive, but if you have the passion and drive to tell Nigerian stories in a way that captivates, entertains, and educates, you just might be the perfect fit.
Why This Internship Matters
For young Nigerians looking to break into the world of media, the Zikoko Next Gen Intern Fellowship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll get to learn from some of the best in the business, grow your skills in digital content creation, and work in an environment where your voice truly matters. It’s a chance to take your passion for storytelling and turn it into a career.
So, if you’re ready to shape the culture, challenge norms, and tell the stories that matter, don’t wait. Apply for the Zikoko Next Gen Intern Fellowship and start your journey toward becoming a digital media creator today.
