The Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with Airtel Nigeria, has disbursed N50 million to 100 undergraduate students as part of the first year of its Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme, an initiative designed to support digital education and develop future technology talents in Nigeria.
The programme is specifically targeted at academically outstanding but financially challenged first year students enrolled in technology related courses at public universities across the country.
According to the Foundation, each beneficiary received an average of N500,000, with the initial round of funding fully disbursed by May 29, 2026. The organisation also confirmed that financial support will continue throughout the students’ academic journey, spanning four to five years depending on their programmes.
Beyond tuition support, the fellowship covers accommodation costs, monthly stipends and learning resources, including laptop computers, to ensure students have access to the tools needed to succeed academically.
The beneficiaries, known as Airtel Fellows, were selected through an independent process involving accredited public universities nationwide.
Students chosen for the programme are pursuing degrees in fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.
The first cohort was drawn from several institutions, including the University of Lagos, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ilorin and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said the initiative is focused on developing a new generation of innovators capable of contributing to Africa’s rapidly 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. 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 added that the fellowship reflects Airtel’s broader commitment to promoting inclusive growth and investing in long-term human capital development across the continent.
Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, also described the programme as a demonstration of 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 N50m 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 wider F.E.E.D agenda, which focuses on four key pillars: Financial Inclusion, Education, Environmental Protection and Digital Inclusion.
In addition to financial assistance, the initiative offers beneficiaries mentorship opportunities, industry exposure and skills development programmes designed to prepare them for careers in an increasingly technology driven global economy.
