The MTN Foundation has awarded scholarships worth over N2.5 billion to Nigerian students from 2013 up until now. The Foundation recently completed its scholarship award ceremonies, with the final event held in Lagos, where over 1,000 students received scholarships and grants. These scholars will receive N300,000 annually until they graduate, as long as they maintain the required Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). The scholarship covers tuition, book allowances, and stipends, ensuring the students can focus on their studies without financial stress.
This annual scholarship program is part of MTN Foundation’s Youth Development portfolio, which recognizes and supports high-performing students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, as well as students who are visually impaired in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The top 10 candidates from the Unified Matriculation Examination (UTME) also benefit from this scholarship program, further extending its reach to promising students.
At the Lagos event, the Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu, praised the MTN Foundation for its significant contributions to the education sector. He highlighted how MTN’s commitment to youth empowerment has positively impacted students, not just at the university but also in secondary schools, including his alma mater in Ondo State. The Foundation’s donations of vital infrastructure like seats, lockers, and laboratories were also acknowledged as part of its broader efforts to support education in Nigeria.
In addition, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, expressed his appreciation for MTN’s role in supporting national development. He also emphasized the Lagos State government’s focus on quality education through its ‘THEMES PLUS’ agenda, which includes initiatives in Transportation, Health, Education, and Social Inclusion, among other areas. He congratulated the scholarship recipients and acknowledged MTN’s vital contributions to education and youth development in the state.
Dennis Okoro, Director of MTN Foundation, reflected on the Foundation’s 20-year journey, emphasizing its commitment to the well-being of Nigerian communities. He noted that MTN is the only corporate organization in Nigeria with an independent board running its foundation and dedicating one percent of its annual after-tax profits to its initiatives. Okoro also encouraged the scholarship recipients to take advantage of opportunities to gain professional certifications and valuable skills during their scholarship period, highlighting MTN’s investment in their future beyond financial support.
During the ceremony, the MTN Foundation, along with the Women at Y’ello (W@Y) initiative, increased their impact by sponsoring the education of 12 scholars who are in their final year of study. Women at Y’ello (W@Y) is a program that brings together all female employees of MTN Nigeria, providing support and empowerment to women throughout the organization.
