In a commendable effort to promote education and empower Nigerian students, the MTN Foundation has invested a staggering N3 billion in scholarships over the past 12 years. This significant contribution has benefited approximately 4,590 Nigerian students through the foundation’s annual scholarship initiative.
Recently, the MTN Foundation awarded scholarships to 360 undergraduate Nigerian students, further extending support to 651 existing scholars, resulting in a total of 1,011 deserving recipients. These accomplished scholars were honored at award ceremonies held in key locations such as Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja, attended by notable dignitaries including Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, and Honorable Peter Akpatason, Chairman of the House Committee on Telecommunications.
The annual MTN scholarships are designed to acknowledge and reward high-achieving students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. Scholarships are typically awarded in three categories: to undergraduates pursuing science and technology-related courses, visually impaired students across various fields of study, and the top 10 candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria.
Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi OFR (mni), emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “This initiative was established with the belief that every individual, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education. Education profoundly shapes minds, fosters innovation, and drives societal change. It is imperative to empower the next generation of trailblazers, problem solvers, and African visionaries. This is why we support blind students, top 10 UTME candidates, and high-performing STEM students by facilitating access to education, providing tools, and resources to help them excel academically and professionally.”
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressed his appreciation for the MTN Foundation’s dedication to community development. He applauded the foundation’s efforts in human and infrastructure development within its host communities, acknowledging that awarding scholarships to deserving recipients and inducting past beneficiaries into the scholarship alumni is a commendable gesture in line with corporate social responsibility. Dr. Hamzat encouraged the MTN Foundation to continue its commitment to promoting excellence and development in society.
As part of the MTN Scholarship program, visually impaired scholars are provided with JAWS screen reader software (authorized licenses), and graduating scholars participate in an employability workshop called “Skill Up!” This workshop equips them with the skills necessary for success in the professional world. In 2023, the MTN Foundation collaborated with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for a two-week virtual workshop, further enhancing the skills of graduating students in agile project management.
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