MTN Foundation Awards 368 Scholars with N300,000 Annual Grants
The MTN Foundation has recently awarded 368 scholars with annual grants of N300,000. These scholarships are aimed at supporting exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and other unique qualities. The recipients include high scorers from the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, blind candidates, and other remarkable individuals who have shown great potential.
In addition to the financial support, the MTN Foundation also inducted the new set of scholars into its alumni network. This initiative ensures that the scholars remain connected to the foundation and continue to benefit from its resources and opportunities.
A Prestigious Academic Funding Programme
Established in 2010, the MTN Foundation Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious academic funding programs in Nigeria. It focuses on supporting high-performing undergraduate students enrolled in public tertiary institutions across the country. The program is part of MTN Nigeria’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which aim to improve the lives of young Nigerians by investing in education and development.
During the 2025 Scholarship Award and Alumni Induction Ceremony, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Johnson Bareiye, praised the MTN Foundation for its long-term commitment to education.
Bareiye, who serves as the Director of E-Governance at the ministry, described the initiative as a model for private-sector participation in national development. He emphasized the importance of education and digital skills in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Recognition from Key Government Officials
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), represented by the Deputy Director, Entrepreneurship Development, Delphina Eze, also acknowledged the impact of the MTN Foundation’s efforts. She highlighted the foundation’s significant contribution to building a knowledge-driven nation through its sustained investment in education.
Eze noted that over 14,000 scholarships have been awarded to date, reflecting the foundation’s deep commitment to human capital development. She expressed excitement about the proposed integration of the MTN Skills Academy E-learning platform into the NYSC program, which will provide participants with access to globally recognized digital entrepreneurship courses.
Encouraging Excellence and Resilience
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, emphasized that the scholarship program recognizes and rewards talent. She stated that the foundation believes in the power of knowledge to transform lives and communities.
Sanya encouraged all scholars to maintain their academic excellence to ensure continued support from the foundation. “Every scholar represents our belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives and communities,” she said. “We encourage all students to continue to work hard to sustain the scholarship, so the Foundation doesn’t drop you if your CGPA drops.”
Real-Time Financial Support for Scholars
This year, a total of 368 scholars received their N300,000 annual grants. The process included real-time bank alerts, ensuring that recipients were immediately notified once they received their certificates.
Representing the newly inducted scholars, Olatunji Aishat expressed her gratitude to the MTN Foundation for creating opportunities that go beyond financial aid. She described the scholarship as more than just funding, but as a platform that inspires excellence and meaningful contributions to society.
Future Collaborations and Opportunities
The MTN Foundation continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigerian youth through its scholarship programs and partnerships. As the foundation expands its reach and collaborates with various stakeholders, it remains committed to fostering a generation of leaders who can drive national progress.
With ongoing initiatives like the integration of e-learning platforms and digital skill development, the foundation is paving the way for a more educated and empowered Nigerian population. Its efforts reflect a deep understanding of the critical role that education plays in national development.