The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has distributed a total of N50m in first-year funding to 100 Nigerian students under its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme, strengthening its push to expand digital skills and education access in the country.
The initiative targets high-performing but financially disadvantaged 100-level students in public universities studying technology-related courses. It covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and essential learning tools, including laptop computers.
According to the Foundation, each of the 100 beneficiaries received an average of N500,000, with the total disbursement completed as of 29 May 2026. It added that funding will continue throughout the duration of the students’ four-to-five-year academic programmes.
The beneficiaries referred to as Airtel Fellows were selected through an independent process from accredited public universities across Nigeria.
They are studying disciplines including Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence.
Participating institutions in the first cohort 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.
Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said the programme is aimed at building a pipeline of skilled innovators who will contribute to Africa’s growing digital economy.
“We are not just funding education; we are building a pipeline of skilled innovators who will contribute meaningfully to Africa’s 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 said.
He added that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to long-term human capital development and inclusive growth.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the programme demonstrates the company’s dedication to youth empowerment through education and digital inclusion.
“At Airtel Nigeria, we believe that the future of our country lies in the hands of our youth. This N50m disbursement is proof that when we say we are committed to empowering young Nigerians, we mean it fully and transparently,” Balsingh said.
The Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship forms part of the Foundation’s broader F.E.E.D agenda, which focuses on Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental protection, and Digital Inclusion.
Beyond financial support, the programme also provides mentorship, exposure, and skills development aimed at preparing beneficiaries for careers in an increasingly digital global economy.
