As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a mobile telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria through its foundation, has awarded 370 scholarships to blind students and students who wish to study Science and Technology in public tertiary institutions to further their academics.
The scholarship covers 300 science and technology students, 60 blind students in any field of study and 10 best candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking at the scholarship award and Alumni Induction of the Foundation ceremony, the Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya said the scholarships are in furtherance of MTN’s commitment to empowering the youth and encouraging academic excellence in public tertiary institutions across the country.
She said MTN Foundation Scholarships serve as launch pads for some of the country’s brightest minds, to attain great heights.
“These scholarships are in furtherance of our commitment to empowering our youth and encouraging academic excellence in public tertiary institutions across the country.
“Since inception, a sum of NGN200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira only) has been awarded yearly to eligible students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) under the MTNF Science & Technology Scholarship (STS) and to blind students in any discipline under the MTNF Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS).
“Recipients under both scholarships are carefully selected from Public Universities, Colleges of Education and Polytechnics across Nigeria. In addition, students on either scheme who maintain the required grades have their scholarships renewed annually until they graduate.
“Our work in preparing these future leaders does not end there. Upon graduation, each scholar takes part in the MTN Foundation ‘Skill Up Training’ to ensure they are well equipped to compete and add value. We are proud of the work we do through this initiative, guided by our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education in our nation.
“We are also excited about what lies ahead for our scholars and alumni and wish you the very best in your endeavours”, she said.
In his presentation, one of the resource persons, Dr Micheal Abiodun commended MTN Foundation for easing the economic burden of some students in public tertiary institutions.
He said the onus is on the beneficiaries to take it up from there and be the best they can possibly be, which he said is attainable if they cultivate the right habit.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune