It was a day of excitement and inspiration in Abuja on Wednesday as the MTN Foundation celebrated a new set of exceptional Nigerian students at the 2025 Scholarship Award and Alumni Induction Ceremony. Held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the annual event brought together government officials, academic leaders, and industry stakeholders to honour students who have distinguished themselves in their studies.
From the warm applause that greeted each name to the spontaneous cheers that followed every scholarship alert, the ceremony was as emotional as it was symbolic, a reminder of how life-changing opportunities can be when education meets meaningful corporate support.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy praised MTN Foundation for its sustained investment in education. Delivering the goodwill message of Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Johnson Bareiye, Director of E-Governance, described the initiative as a model for private-sector participation in national development.
“Today’s ceremony by the MTN Foundation stands as a reminder of what is possible when the private sector invests meaningfully in the future of our nation. As a ministry, we recognise education and digital skills as the foundation of our nation’s digital transformation journey, and we commend the MTN Foundation for its sustained commitment to empowering students and strengthening human capital development in Nigeria.”
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, represented by Mrs. Delphina Eze, Deputy Director, Entrepreneurship Development, also applauded the Foundation’s impact. She noted, “This investment and the reward of over 14,000 scholarships to date stand as a testament to your deep commitment to building a knowledge-driven nation. We are particularly excited about the proposed integration of the MTN Skills Academy E-learning platform into the NYSC programme. This forward-looking collaboration will provide core members access to globally recognised digital entrepreneurship courses, as partners in nation building, NYSC looks forward to nurturing this synergy with NYSC MTN Foundation.”
In her remarks, Dr. Mosun Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation, represented by Mallam Surajudeen Yakubu, said the Foundation’s scholarship scheme goes beyond rewarding good grades. “Today is more than a formal ceremony for awarding scholarships, it is yet another declaration of our belief in the incoming newest members of the Foundation’s scholarship family. You are not here only for your academic performance, but because you have demonstrated excellence in your character, resilience, and ambition,” she said.
“Our scholarship programme celebrates excellence, resilience, and purpose. At MTN Foundation, we recognise that talent exists everywhere, and through our continued investment in education, we are ensuring that no brilliant mind is left behind. Every scholar represents our belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives and communities. We encourage all students to continue to work hard to sustain the scholarship, so the Foundation doesn’t drop you if your CGPA drops,” said Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation.
One of the most heart-warming moments of the day came when the new recipients received real-time bank alerts of their ₦300,000 annual grant as they collected their certificates, a gesture that drew cheers and laughter from the audience.
Representing the newly inducted scholars, Olatunji Aishat Toyin thanked the MTN Foundation for creating opportunities that extend beyond financial aid. “This scholarship is more than just funding; it’s a platform that inspires us to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Rimamskeb Nuhu, Special Assistant to the President, Office of the Vice President, Workforce Development, Mr. Johnson Barieye, Director E-Governance, Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Mrs Amina Mohammed Lugga, Director, Networks and Social, Ministry of Youth Development, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Mrs. Joy A. Obaje, Deputy Director, National Universities Commission, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation, represented by Mallam Surajudeen Yakubu, Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Professor Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Kabiru Ahmad Gwarzo, Provost, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, alongside other guests.
