By Justice Okamgba
LAGOS – In a significant move to advance digital literacy and academic access, the Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with Airtel Nigeria, has disbursed N50 million in first-year funding to 100 Nigerian students under the inaugural Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme.
The fellowship is designed to support high-performing, financially disadvantaged 100-level students enrolled in technology-related degree programs at public universities. The comprehensive scholarship package covers tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends, while also providing essential learning tools, including laptop computers.
Expanding the Digital Talent Pipeline
According to the Foundation, the disbursement process for the first cohort was completed on May 29, 2026, with each of the 100 beneficiaries receiving an average of N500,000. The Foundation confirmed that this financial support will be sustained throughout the duration of the students’ four-to-five-year academic programs.
The beneficiaries—designated as "Airtel Fellows"—were selected through an independent process from accredited public institutions, including:
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University of Lagos
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka
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Ahmadu Bello University
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University of Benin
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Obafemi Awolowo University
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University of Ilorin
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Tai Solarin University of Education
These scholars are pursuing specialized disciplines such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence.
Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized that the initiative is about more than just financial aid; it is a strategic effort to cultivate skilled innovators for the continent’s burgeoning digital economy. "The transparency of this process and the full delivery of our commitment to these 100 scholars are matters of great pride for the Foundation," Ogunsanya noted.
Echoing these sentiments, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, stated that the program underscores the company’s dedication to youth empowerment. "This N50m disbursement is proof that when we say we are committed to empowering young Nigerians, we mean it fully and transparently," Balsingh added.
The Fellowship falls under the Foundation’s "F.E.E.D" agenda, which prioritizes Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion. Beyond direct funding, the program aims to equip students with mentorship and professional development opportunities to prepare them for the global digital workforce.
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