The telecom company announced in an email on Monday that the selected scholars will pursue undergraduate studies in technology, with a specialization in artificial intelligence, at Plaksha University in Mohali, India—an institution recognized for reshaping engineering education for the modern era.
Launched in September 2024, the Fellowship is the flagship program of the Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services in 14 African countries. The initiative seeks to support academically talented but financially disadvantaged youth by granting them access to world-class STEM education and international exposure that might otherwise be unattainable.
According to Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, the Fellowship is intended to cultivate the next generation of technology leaders across Africa.
“More than just a chance to study at one of the world’s leading universities, this Fellowship is designed to prepare Africa’s next generation of tech leaders with cutting-edge skills while fostering their talent, determination, and vision to transform their communities and the wider world. We are very proud of Terence and Ali and trust that they will bring honor to Nigeria,” Ogunsanya remarked.
The selection, overseen solely by Plaksha University, was highly rigorous and competitive. Candidates were assessed on academic achievement, leadership qualities, personal motivation, and alignment with the university’s vision. Out of applicants from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania, 21 were shortlisted, with 13 advancing to two interview stages. After a final evaluation, admission was granted to the two Nigerian students.
Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, described the fellowships as a vital investment in strengthening Nigeria’s human capital for its digital future.
“By providing world-class technology education through initiatives like the Airtel Africa Fellowship, we aim to make a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy by developing a broad pool of skilled technical professionals,” said Balsingh.
In addition to supporting the current fellows, Airtel Africa Foundation is set to unveil 100 more local scholarships for Nigerian undergraduates. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s wider mission to empower young Africans through its focus areas of financial inclusion, education, environmental sustainability, and digital access.
Through such programs, the Foundation seeks not only to transform the lives of individual students but also to strengthen the foundation for Africa’s digital future.
