In a commendable effort towards fostering education and empowering the youth, the MTN Foundation has awarded scholarships to 1,011 Nigerian students through its annual scholarship initiative. The scholarships were presented to 360 undergraduate students, in addition to the 651 current scholars, at celebratory events held in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja. Distinguished guests, including Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, and Honourable Peter Akpatason, Chairman of the House Committee on Telecommunications, graced the ceremonies.
The annual scholarships serve to recognize and reward high-achieving students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. The beneficiaries fall into three categories: undergraduates in science and technology-related courses, blind students in any field of study, and the top 10 candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria. Over the past 12 years, this initiative has supported 4,590 Nigerian students with scholarships valued at NGN 3 billion.
Addressing the audience at the Lagos event, Chairman of MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi OFR (mni), expressed the foundation’s belief that every individual, regardless of background or socio-economic status, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education. He emphasized the profound impact of education on shaping minds, fostering innovation, and driving societal change.
In a speech delivered by Special Adviser Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, commended the MTN Foundation for its commitment to the development of host communities. He praised the foundation’s dedication to contributing to the growth and development of communities in terms of human and infrastructure development.
The MTN Scholarship program goes beyond financial support. Blind scholars receive assistance through JAWS screen reader software (authorized licenses), and graduating scholars participate in the “Skill Up!” employability workshop. This workshop equips them with the necessary skills for the professional world. This year, the MTN Foundation collaborated with the Project Management Institute (PMI) for a two-week virtual workshop, preparing the 2023 graduates with skills in agile project management. The foundation’s holistic approach to education and empowerment reflects its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and visionaries in Nigeria.
