The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has disbursed a total of N50 million in first-year funding to 100 Nigerian students under its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme.
The initiative is designed to support high-performing but financially disadvantaged 100-level students in public universities who are studying technology-related courses. It aims to improve access to quality education while strengthening digital skills development across the country.
According to the Foundation, each of the 100 beneficiaries received an average of N500,000, with the total disbursement completed as of May 29, 2026. The support package covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and essential learning tools, including laptop computers.
The Foundation added that funding will continue throughout the duration of the beneficiaries’ four-to-five-year academic programmes, ensuring sustained support until graduation.
The selected students, referred to as Airtel Fellows, were chosen through an independent selection process from accredited public universities across Nigeria.
The beneficiaries are studying disciplines such as 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 the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said the fellowship is aimed at building a strong pipeline of skilled innovators who will contribute to Africa’s expanding 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,” Ogunsanya said. “The transparency of this process and the full delivery of our commitment to these 100 scholars are matters of great pride for the Foundation.”
He added that the programme reflects Airtel’s long-term commitment to human capital development and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, also reaffirmed 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 N50 million 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 is part of the Foundation’s broader F.E.E.D agenda, which focuses on Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental protection, and Digital Inclusion.
Beyond financial assistance, the programme also provides mentorship, exposure, and skills development opportunities aimed at preparing beneficiaries for careers in the global digital economy.
