Telecommunications Provider awards scholarships to 380 Students

Chukwumerije Aja, Enugu

A Mobile Telecommunications Provider, MTN has awarded scholarships to 380 students from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Among the recipients were People with Disabilities (PWDs), who were recognized during the scholarship award ceremony held in Enugu, for students from the Southeast and South-South regions.

The event was organized by the MTN Foundation, with similar ceremonies planned for other regions across the country.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Denis Okoro, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, urged the beneficiaries to remain committed, resilient and focused on their education to retain the scholarship.

He emphasized that the MTN Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and resilience, highlighting that it is a highly competitive program.

Okoro also stressed that to renew the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5.

He added that beyond financial support, the MTN Foundation provides beneficiaries with additional skills, such as digital business training, to prepare them for life after graduation.

“MTN is a strong brand, and we ensure that those who earn the MTN Scholarship truly deserve it. Be consistent with your studies,” Okoro advised.

He further cautioned graduating scholars about the challenges of entering the workforce, stating, “As you step into the professional world, your professors and lecturers won’t be there to guide you. You’ll encounter a variety of people, so it’s important to be careful about whom you trust, and never place absolute trust in anyone.”

Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender, and Social Development in Enugu, who represented Governor Peter Mbah, expressed gratitude to MTN for including PWDs in the scholarship program.

She noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Mbah’s efforts to equip the people of Enugu State with digital literacy, ensuring they are not left behind in a rapidly evolving world.

The MTN Scholarships was initiated in 2009 and provides support to high performing students through annual awards in three categories: Science and Technology Scholarships, Scholarships for Blind Students, and Scholarships for the top 10 scoring candidates of UTME. Through this initiative, over 4,200 Nigerian students have received scholarships valued at over NGN 2.3billion.

The newly awarded scholars will each enjoy an annual scholarship grant covering their tuition, book allowance and stipend, till graduation, provided they maintain a CGPA of 3.5 or its equivalent.