MTN Foundation and SAIL Innovation Lab Onboard 5,000 Teachers for Phase Two of its National Teachers Fellowship Programme

As part of its efforts to strengthen the nation’s education sector, the MTN Foundation and SAIL Innovation Lab have officially commenced the first stage of their Teachers Fellowship Programme, Phase 2.

The programme, which commenced on January 13, 2026, has onboarded 5,000 teachers carefully selected from the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The initiative is designed to equip educators in public primary and secondary schools with modern teaching techniques and the digital tools required to compete in the global digital economy.

In a bid to ensure the training is accessible to teachers even in remote areas, the first stage of the fellowship is  a four-week intensive virtual module delivered through WhatsApp and Google Classroom platforms. This mobile-first approach allows participants to engage with curriculum materials and facilitators without the logistical constraints of physical travel.

According to organisers, the virtual training approach is meticulously structured to foster peer-to-peer learning and real-time assessment. The first stage  of the training will culminate in a virtual closing ceremony to celebrate the knowledge milestones achieved by the participants. The 5,000 participants are currently undergoing rigorous training on modern teaching pedagogy and digital  upskilling, after which a selection process will be conducted. Only the “Top 500” performers based on engagement, assessment outcomes , and participation will proceed to the Second stage of the training.

This second phase will focus on inquiry-based  teaching methodology and intensive digital transformation skills, positioning the successful teachers as ambassadors of modern education within their respective disciplines, schools and states.

Speaking on the launch, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, said: “Teachers are the backbone of our education system. By empowering them with digital competencies and innovative teaching methods, we are directly investing in the future of our youth. This Fellowship Programme is designed to ensure that our educators are not just keeping pace with global best practices but are actively shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.”

As one of Nigeria’s largest private sector teacher training initiatives, the MTN-SAIL Teachers Fellowship continues to empower educators nationwide, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable, inquiry-based, and tech-driven learning