MTN Foundation Celebrates Academic Excellence at 2025 Scholarship Awards and Alumni Induction Ceremonies in Lagos and Enugu

Reinforcing its long-standing support for academic excellence in Nigeria, the MTN Foundation hosted the 2025  Scholarship Awards and Alumni Induction ceremonies in Lagos and Enugu on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The Scholarship, an annual programme under the Foundation’s Youth Development portfolio, recognises and rewards high-performing students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, as well as blind students in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The initiative also includes support for the top 10 candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each year. Each new scholar receives a grant of ₦300,000 annually until graduation, provided they maintain the required Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

This year’s ceremonies celebrated 368 outstanding scholars, who joined the growing community of exceptional youths that have received the MTN Foundation’s support over the last 15 years. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over 14,000 scholars, empowering thousands of young Nigerians to achieve their academic aspirations.

In his keynote address, the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Tubosun Alake, congratulated the awardees and applauded the Foundation’s inclusive model. He said, “Education remains our most powerful tool for transformation. The MTN Foundation Scholarship and Alumni Induction shine as a beacon of hope at a time when learning is one of the surest paths to national progress. By investing in human potential, the Foundation has lifted burdens, inspired diligence, and empowered thousands of students across Nigeria.

At the Lagos State Government, education sits at the heart of our development agenda, from digital learning and skills training to innovation that creates jobs. The MTN Foundation’s vision aligns perfectly with ours: building a smarter, more inclusive Lagos where no community is left behind.

To the scholars, may your excellence open doors and illuminate the path for others. And to MTN Nigeria and the MTN Foundation, thank you for shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation,” he concluded.

In Enugu, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Professor Sam C. Ugwu, who represented the State Governor, His Excellency, Peter Mbah, praised the Foundation for its lasting contributions to youth development. He noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s educational vision of building human capital for sustainable growth.

“Enugu State has been one of the major partners of MTN Nigeria since the incorporation of the company for more than 20 years, and we are glad the Foundation has chosen to contribute to the social economy and social development, which is commendable. Among other partnerships and contributions over the years, the strategy to encourage youth through the scholarship scheme is one of the government’s key aims in its education policies. The state government will keep supporting the Foundation in promoting better education and inclusion across the sector,” he said.

Delivering the address on behalf of Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Chairman, MTN Foundation, Pastor Simon Aranonu, Director, MTN Foundation, hailed the class of 2025 for their excellence built on resilience, ambition, and strong character. He said, “This ceremony recognises far more than grades, it celebrates grit, integrity, and the promise of leadership. As you join our alumni community, stay connected, stay curious, and keep your values at the centre of every decision.”

Also speaking, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s focus on empowering youth through access, opportunity, and mentorship. She noted that the scholarship programme continues to reflect the Foundation’s belief in purpose over profit. “This ceremony represents our belief that education remains the utmost path to transformation. We are proud to have invested in these scholars, impacting over 5,000 scholars since inception. But beyond numbers, our greatest pride is seeing our scholars evolve into changemakers who continue to inspire others,” she said.

The 2025 ceremony across Lagos and Enugu reaffirmed the MTN Foundation’s commitment to educational development and showcased the expanding legacy of the scholarship programme, which continues to empower young Nigerians and contribute to national growth.

The events in both locations were graced by distinguished stakeholders in education and leadership, including Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Honourable Tubosun Alake, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State; Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth & Social Development, Lagos State; Professor Sam C. Ugwu, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Enugu State; Professor, Benjamin Aribisala, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University; Professor Matthew Ilori, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Ifeoma Loretto Nnaji, representative of Nnamdi Azikwe University Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Ochi Patrick; Callima Inino, General Manager, Regional Operations (East), Sales and Distribution, MTN Nigeria alongside other guests.