Airtel Africa Foundation Awards Tech Scholarships to Nigerian Students for Studies at Plaksha University, India
In a significant move to promote education and youth empowerment across Nigeria and Africa, the Airtel Africa Foundation, via Airtel Nigeria, has announced the selection of two Nigerian students—Terence Ifeanyichukwu and Ali Usman Mohammed—as recipients of its prestigious Airtel Africa Fellowship.
These talented undergraduates will pursue studies in cutting-edge technology fields, including Artificial Intelligence, at Plaksha University in Mohali, India—an institution renowned for transforming engineering education for the modern era.
Launched in September 2024, the Airtel Africa Fellowship is a flagship initiative by the Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Airtel Africa, a leading telecom and mobile money provider operating in 14 African nations. The program aims to support academically gifted yet financially constrained African youth by providing access to world-class STEM education and global opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized the program’s broader goals: “Beyond the chance to study at one of the world’s leading universities, this Fellowship is about equipping Africa’s future tech leaders with relevant skills, nurturing their talent, and inspiring them to create positive change in their communities and beyond. We are proud of Terence and Ali and believe they will make Nigeria proud.”
The selection process, managed entirely by Plaksha University, was highly competitive and rooted in the institution’s commitment to diversity and excellence. Candidates were assessed based on academic achievement, leadership potential, personal motivation, and alignment with the university’s innovative mission. Out of a large pool spanning Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania, 21 candidates were shortlisted, with 13 progressing to interview stages. After thorough review, two Nigerian students were offered admission and selected for the fellowship.
This collaboration not only supports the scholars’ academic ambitions but also aligns with a long-term vision: empowering African youth with advanced digital skills, fostering innovation, and breaking cycles of poverty.
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, highlighted the significance of these scholarships for Nigeria’s digital future: “High-quality technology education like the Airtel Africa Fellowship is essential for building the human capital needed to fuel Nigeria’s digital economy. Our goal is to train a broad base of technical talents to drive growth and innovation.”
Furthermore, Airtel Africa Foundation plans to announce 100 additional local scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates, reinforcing its mission to empower youth through its F.E.E.D. pillars—Financial inclusion, Education, Environmental protection, and Digital inclusion—creating opportunities where talent exists but access may be limited.