LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — The MTN Foundation has awarded annual scholarships to 368 Nigerian students, each valued at N300,000, as part of its ongoing effort to support academic excellence and youth development.
The announcement was made during the 2025 MTN Scholarship Awards and Alumni Induction Ceremonies held in Lagos and Enugu. The recipients include students in science and technology disciplines, visually impaired scholars, and top performers in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) enrolled in public tertiary institutions.
The scholarship is renewable annually until graduation, contingent on maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average.
Odunayo Sanya, Executive Secretary of the MTN Foundation, praised the scholars for their achievements. “These students represent the future of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. We are proud to support their academic journey,” she said.
Recipients expressed gratitude for the financial relief and recognition. “This scholarship lifts a huge burden off my family,” said Chinyere Okafor, a computer science student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. “I can now focus fully on my studies.”
Ibrahim Musa, a visually impaired law student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the award was a validation of his efforts. “Being recognized despite my challenges means the world to me. It motivates me to keep pushing.”
Education advocates welcomed the initiative but called for broader reforms. “Corporate scholarships like MTN’s are vital, but we must also strengthen public funding for higher education,” said Dr. Funmi Adeoye, an education policy analyst based in Abuja.
Since its inception, the MTN Scholarship Scheme has supported over 14,000 students across Nigeria. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s youth empowerment strategy, which includes digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, and inclusive education programs.
The Foundation said it remains committed to expanding access to education and fostering a generation of skilled, socially responsible leaders.
