The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has provided N50 million in funding to support 100 Nigerian university students under its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme. The initiative is designed to help talented students from low-income backgrounds pursue technology-related degrees in public universities across the country.
The first round of funding, completed on May 29, 2026, saw each beneficiary receive an average of N500,000. The financial support is intended to ease the burden of education costs and allow students to focus on their studies and career development.
The fellowship programme targets outstanding first-year students who are studying technology-focused courses but may face financial challenges in completing their education. Beyond paying tuition fees, the scholarship also covers accommodation expenses, monthly stipends, and learning materials, including laptop computers.
According to the Foundation, support for the selected students will continue throughout their academic programmes, which are expected to last between four and five years. This long-term commitment is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries have the resources needed to successfully complete their studies.
The 100 students, known as Airtel Fellows, were selected through an independent and transparent process from accredited public universities across Nigeria. The programme focuses on students enrolled in courses that are critical to the future of the digital economy.
Some of the disciplines covered by the fellowship include Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. These fields are increasingly important as technology continues to drive economic growth and innovation across Africa.
Students from several leading public universities were included in the first group of beneficiaries. Participating institutions include the 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.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, said the programme goes beyond simply providing financial assistance. According to him, the goal is to develop a new generation of innovators and technology professionals who can contribute to Africa’s growing digital economy.
He noted that the Foundation is proud of the transparent selection process and the successful delivery of its commitment to the first group of scholars. Ogunsanya also stressed that the fellowship reflects Airtel’s dedication to human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, described the N50 million disbursement as a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education. He said the future of the country depends on its youth and that investing in their education is one of the best ways to secure long-term development.
The Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship is part of the Foundation’s broader F.E.E.D agenda, which focuses on Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion. In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will receive mentorship opportunities, career guidance, exposure to industry professionals, and skills development programmes that will prepare them for success in the global digital economy.
Through this initiative, Airtel Africa Foundation hopes to create opportunities for talented young Nigerians while helping to build the skilled workforce needed for Africa’s technology-driven future.
