In a major stride towards expanding access to education and empowering African youth, the Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has announced the selection of two Nigerian students, Terence Ifeanyichukwu and Ali Usman Mohammed, as recipients of the Airtel Africa Fellowship.
The scholars will pursue undergraduate studies in technology, including Artificial Intelligence, at Plaksha University in Mohali, India, an institution globally recognized for reimagining engineering education for the 21st century.
Launched in September 2024, the Airtel Africa Fellowship is the flagship educational initiative of the Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, a leading telecom and mobile money services provider with operations in 14 African countries.
The programme is designed to give academically gifted but financially disadvantaged African youth access to world-class STEM education and opportunities that would otherwise be beyond reach.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, said: “Beyond offering an opportunity to study in one of the most advanced universities in the world, this Fellowship is also about equipping Africa’s future tech leaders with up-to-date skills while nurturing their talent, drive, and ambition to change their communities and the world. We are immensely proud of Terence and Ali and are confident they will make Nigeria proud.”
The selection process, fully managed by Plaksha University, was rigorous and competitive, reflecting the university’s high standards and commitment to diversity. Candidates were evaluated on academic excellence, leadership potential, personal drive, and alignment with the university’s mission.
Out of a wide pool of applicants from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania, 21 were shortlisted, with 13 advancing through both interview stages. After a final review by the admissions committee, two candidates, both Nigerians, emerged successful.
Through this collaboration, Airtel Africa Foundation not only supports the academic aspirations of the fellows but also advances its broader vision of equipping African youth with digital skills, driving innovation, and breaking cycles of poverty.
Reinforcing the significance of the initiative, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, said: “Through high-calibre technology education like that which is offered through the Airtel Africa Fellowship, our hope is to contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by helping to train a large number of technical talents across the board.”
Looking ahead, Airtel Africa Foundation is set to award 100 additional local scholarships to Nigerian undergraduates, further strengthening its mission to empower young Africans through its F.E.E.D. pillars—Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion.
