The MTN Foundation has awarded 368 Nigerian scholars ₦300,000 each as part of its annual scholarship programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to advancing education and human capital development across the country.
The awards were presented during the 2025 MTN Scholarship Award and Alumni Induction Ceremony, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, where this year’s recipients—comprising top-performing undergraduates, blind students, and high scorers in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)—were honoured.
Recognising Excellence in Education
Established in 2010, the MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme supports high-performing undergraduate students in Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions. The programme forms a central part of MTN Nigeria’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, providing consistent financial support to outstanding students to enable them to complete their studies without financial burden.
During this year’s ceremony, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, as well as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), commended the Foundation’s sustained investment in education and digital skill development.
Commendations from the Federal Ministry and NYSC
Johnson Bareiye, Director of E-Governance at the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, praised MTN Foundation for setting a benchmark in private sector participation in national development.
“Today’s ceremony by the MTN Foundation stands as a reminder of what is possible when the private sector invests meaningfully in the future of our nation,” Bareiye said.
He noted that the Foundation’s efforts align with Nigeria’s digital transformation goals, especially in promoting education and digital literacy among youth.
Similarly, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of NYSC (represented by Delphina Eze, Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship Development), applauded the Foundation’s impact on capacity building.
“Your reward of over 14,000 scholarships to date reflects a deep commitment to building a knowledge-driven nation,” Eze said.
She added that the proposed integration of the MTN Skills Academy E-learning platform into the NYSC programme would provide corps members access to globally recognised digital entrepreneurship courses, further empowering Nigerian youth for the modern economy.
MTN Foundation’s Continued Impact
Speaking at the event, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest minds.
“Our scholarship programme celebrates excellence, resilience, and purpose. We believe that talent exists everywhere, and through continued investment in education, we ensure that no brilliant mind is left behind,” she said.
Sanya reminded beneficiaries to maintain strong academic performance to retain their scholarships, emphasizing that MTN Foundation’s goal is to foster long-term success and innovation among Nigerian students.
Each of the 368 scholars received their ₦300,000 annual grant in real-time bank alerts during the ceremony, alongside official certificates and induction into the MTN Foundation Scholars Alumni Network—a growing community of achievers making impact across industries.
Voices from the Scholars
Representing the new awardees, Olatunji Aishat expressed gratitude on behalf of all recipients, describing the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity that extends beyond financial aid.
“This scholarship is more than just funding; it’s a platform that inspires us to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society,” Aishat said.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Since its establishment, the MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme has supported over 14,000 students from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
The programme continues to reinforce MTN Nigeria’s CSR commitment to empowering young Nigerians, fostering academic excellence, and promoting digital and entrepreneurial skills for national development.
Conclusion
The 2025 MTN Foundation Scholarship Awards reaffirm the organisation’s role as one of Nigeria’s most impactful private contributors to education. By investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals, MTN Foundation is helping to build a knowledge-driven, inclusive, and technologically empowered Nigeria.