Telco Disburses N50m To 100 Tech Scholars, Targets Nigeria’s Digital Skills Gap

As concerns grow over the shortage of technology talent needed to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, the Airtel Africa Foundation has disbursed N50 million in scholarship funding to 100 undergraduate students studying technology-related courses in public universities across the country.

The disbursement marks the completion of the first-year funding cycle under the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme, an initiative designed to support academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged students pursuing careers in critical technology fields.

Under the programme, each beneficiary received an average of N500,000 to cover tuition, accommodation, stipends, and essential learning materials, including laptop computers. The Foundation said funding for the beneficiaries, known as Airtel Fellows, would continue throughout their four- to five-year academic programmes.

The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to expand its digital economy and strengthen local capacity in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and data science. Industry experts have repeatedly stressed that developing a strong pipeline of skilled technology professionals will be critical to meeting the country’s digital transformation goals.

The 100 beneficiaries were selected through an independent process from accredited public universities across Nigeria and are enrolled in disciplines such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Beneficiaries were drawn from institutions such as the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED).

Speaking on the milestone, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, said the programme was designed to create a sustainable talent pool that would support Africa’s digital future.

“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 noted that beyond providing financial assistance, the fellowship aims to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge and opportunities required to become future innovators and technology leaders.

Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, remarked that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth empowerment 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. I congratulate every scholar and encourage you to make the most of this opportunity. Your success is our success,” Balsingh stated.

Meanwhile, the scholarship programme forms part of the Airtel Africa Foundation’s broader F.E.E.D agenda, which focuses on Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion. In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will receive mentorship, exposure and opportunities designed to prepare them for careers in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

Consequently, as demands for digital skills continue to rise across industries, stakeholders have advocated for initiatives that improve access to technology education, which could help bridge the talent gap while creating a new generation of innovators capable of driving economic growth and digital transformation through Interventions that highlight the growing role of the private sector in addressing educational and skills-development challenges in Nigeria.