Airtel Launches Undergraduate Tech Scholarship for 100 Nigerian Students

Airtel Africa Foundation, in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria, has introduced a new Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme aimed at empowering 100 young Nigerians studying information and communication technology (ICT) related courses in public universities.

The initiative, announced by Airtel Africa Chairman Dr. Segun Ogunsanya during a recent press conference in Lagos, is part of the company’s commitment to promoting education and digital inclusion across Africa.

Full Scholarship Coverage for ICT Undergraduates

According to Airtel, the Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme will provide comprehensive support that covers tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and a yearly stipend from the first to the final year of study.

The goal is to eliminate financial barriers that prevent talented students from excelling in the fast-growing field of technology and innovation. By supporting students from low and middle-income backgrounds, Airtel aims to create a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive Africa’s digital transformation.

Eligible Courses and Partner Universities

The scholarship is open to 100-level students currently enrolled in ICT-related programmes at selected Nigerian public universities. Eligible fields of study include:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• And other ICT-related disciplines

Participating universities include University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Airtel’s Commitment to Education and Digital Empowerment

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya highlighted that the scholarship aligns with Airtel Africa Foundation’s vision to empower young Africans through education and technology.

“At Airtel Africa Foundation, our vision has always been to create opportunities where talent meets ambition. With this scholarship, we are investing in Nigeria’s future tech leaders, giving them the resources and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he said.

He emphasized that the scholarship is not just about financial aid, but also about mentorship, career development, and leadership training that will prepare students for real-world challenges in the tech industry.

Reinforcing Airtel’s Social Investment in Education

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh, explained that education remains one of Airtel’s key social investment areas.

“The prioritisation of education as a pillar of our social investments becomes much stronger with these 100 new scholarships. They complement other initiatives such as our partnership with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education Programme, the Adopt-A-School Project, and our ₦1 billion support for the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent programme,” he stated.

Balsingh added that Airtel sees education as the most effective way to empower the youth and prepare them for a technology-driven economy.

“Ultimately, for us as an organisation, the best way to equip the future is to arm it with cutting-edge education,” he added.

Driving Digital Inclusion and Sustainable Development

The new Airtel Undergraduate Tech Scholarship reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to quality education, reduced inequalities, and innovation.

The programme aligns with Airtel Africa Foundation’s four strategic pillars:

1. Education
2. Financial Inclusion
3. Environmental Protection
4. Digital Inclusion

Through these pillars, Airtel aims to create long-term impact by bridging the digital divide, supporting communities, and promoting sustainability across its operational regions.

Why This Scholarship Matters

With Nigeria’s growing youth population and rising unemployment rate, initiatives like Airtel’s tech scholarship are vital for national development. By supporting students in ICT fields, Airtel is helping to build a workforce capable of developing local solutions, driving entrepreneurship, and advancing the digital economy.

Many Nigerian students often struggle to complete their university education due to financial constraints, lack of access to quality learning materials, or limited exposure to modern technology. This scholarship is designed to close that gap and nurture innovative thinkers who can contribute to national growth.

How Beneficiaries Will Be Selected

While Airtel has not released full details of the application process, sources within the Foundation indicate that transparency and merit-based selection will be central to the process. The scholarship will focus on students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong passion for technology.

Beneficiaries will also have access to mentoring opportunities, networking sessions, and possibly internship placements with Airtel and its technology partners, giving them real-world experience even before graduation.

Airtel’s Broader Impact on Education

Over the years, Airtel has been recognized as one of the most socially responsible telecommunications companies in Nigeria, consistently investing in projects that promote learning and digital literacy.

Some of its past and ongoing educational programmes include:

• The Adopt-A-School Initiative, which provides infrastructure, teacher training, and learning resources for public schools.
• The Reimagine Education Partnership with UNICEF, designed to enhance digital learning across Africa.
• The company’s participation in the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, aimed at building Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

These programmes underline Airtel’s strong belief that access to quality education and digital skills can transform individuals, communities, and nations.