Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has announced that two Nigerian students, Terence Ifeanyichukwu and Ali Usman Mohammed, have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Airtel Africa Fellowship.

The scholars will pursue undergraduate degrees in technology disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence, at Plaksha University in Mohali, India, an institution renowned for its innovative approach to 21st century engineering education.

Launched in September 2024, the Airtel Africa Fellowship is the flagship education initiative of Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, which operates telecom and mobile money services across 14 African countries. The Fellowship aims to empower academically gifted but financially disadvantaged African youth by providing access to world-class STEM education and global opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, said, “This Fellowship is more than just a chance to study at one of the most advanced universities in the world. It is about equipping Africa’s future tech leaders with cutting-edge skills and nurturing their ambition to transform their communities and the continent. We are immensely proud of Terence and Ali and confident they will make Nigeria proud.”

The selection process, conducted entirely by Plaksha University, was highly competitive and rigorous, reflecting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and diversity. Candidates were evaluated on academic merit, leadership potential, personal drive, and alignment with the institution’s mission.

From a wide pool of applicants spanning Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania, 21 candidates were shortlisted. After two stages of interviews, 13 progressed to the final round. Ultimately, two Nigerian students were awarded admission offers.

Through this partnership, Airtel Africa Foundation not only supports the educational journey of the selected scholars but also advances its broader vision of equipping Africa’s youth with advanced digital skills, fostering innovation, and breaking cycles of poverty.

Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the fellowship in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation. “By investing in high-calibre technology education through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship, we aim to build the human capital essential for Nigeria’s growing digital economy,” he said. “Our goal is to nurture a new generation of technical talent who will propel the country forward.”

The Foundation is also set to announce 100 additional scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates, reinforcing its commitment to empowering African youth across its core pillars: financial inclusion, education, environmental protection, and digital inclusion (F.E.E.D.). Through these efforts, Airtel Africa Foundation continues to create opportunities where talent exists but access remains limited.

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