Lagos, Nigeria – September 1, 2025 – In a significant boost to Nigeria’s aspirations for technological advancement, two exceptional Nigerian students, Ms. Khadijat Adewumi and Mr. Samuel Adebayo, have been awarded full scholarships by the Airtel Foundation to pursue advanced studies at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in India. The scholarships, announced during a virtual ceremony hosted by Airtel Nigeria, cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs, enabling the students to focus on their academic and professional development in one of the world’s leading technology institutions. This initiative underscores the Airtel Foundation’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and empowering African youth to drive innovation in the technology sector.
The announcement comes as part of the Airtel Foundation’s broader mission to support education and skill development across Africa, with a particular focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The scholarships, valued at millions of naira, are a testament to the Foundation’s strategic partnership with IIT Madras, a globally acclaimed institution known for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research in technology and engineering. The selection of Adewumi and Adebayo highlights their outstanding academic achievements and potential to contribute to Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
Background of the Airtel Foundation Scholarship Program
The Airtel Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Airtel Africa, launched its scholarship program in 2023 to support talented African students pursuing higher education in STEM fields. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic potential and opportunity, particularly for students from underserved communities who face financial barriers to accessing world-class education. By partnering with prestigious institutions like IIT Madras, the Foundation seeks to empower the next generation of African innovators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address pressing challenges in technology, sustainability, and economic development.
In Nigeria, where the technology sector is rapidly expanding, the Airtel Foundation’s initiative aligns with national priorities to develop a skilled workforce capable of driving digital transformation. The country’s tech ecosystem has seen remarkable growth, with startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Andela attracting global attention. However, access to quality education and international exposure remains a challenge for many talented students. The Airtel Foundation’s scholarships aim to address this gap by providing full funding for exceptional students to study at institutions renowned for their academic excellence and industry relevance.
The partnership with IIT Madras, established in 2024, is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts to foster international collaboration in education. IIT Madras, consistently ranked as India’s top technical institute, is celebrated for its contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and renewable energy. The institution’s Centre for Innovation and its robust alumni network, which includes global tech leaders, make it an ideal destination for Nigerian students seeking to compete on the global stage.
Profiles of the Scholarship Recipients
Ms. Khadijat Adewumi, a 21-year-old graduate of Computer Science from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), emerged as one of the top candidates in the rigorous selection process. Hailing from Ogun State, Adewumi distinguished herself through her academic excellence, scoring a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.8 out of 5.0. Her final-year project on machine learning applications for healthcare diagnostics earned her accolades from her professors and sparked her interest in pursuing advanced studies in artificial intelligence (AI). Adewumi’s passion for leveraging technology to solve societal problems, particularly in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, made her a standout candidate for the scholarship.
Mr. Samuel Adebayo, a 22-year-old Electrical Engineering graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, was the second recipient. Adebayo, originally from Ondo State, graduated with first-class honors and a CGPA of 4.7. His undergraduate research focused on renewable energy systems, specifically solar microgrids for rural communities, aligning with Nigeria’s push for sustainable energy solutions. Adebayo’s leadership in campus innovation clubs and his volunteer work with rural electrification projects demonstrated his commitment to using technology for social impact, earning him the scholarship.
The selection process, managed by the Airtel Foundation in collaboration with IIT Madras, was highly competitive, involving academic evaluations, aptitude tests, and interviews. Over 1,500 Nigerian students applied for the scholarships, with Adewumi and Adebayo emerging as the top two candidates based on their academic records, leadership potential, and alignment with the Foundation’s vision of fostering innovation. The rigorous process underscores the Foundation’s commitment to identifying and supporting only the most exceptional talents.
Details of the Scholarship Program
The Airtel Foundation scholarships cover the full cost of studying at IIT Madras for a two-year Master’s program in technology-related fields. Adewumi will pursue an M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, while Adebayo will specialize in Renewable Energy Systems. The scholarships include tuition fees, accommodation in IIT Madras’s state-of-the-art hostels, a monthly stipend for living expenses, and round-trip airfare between Nigeria and India. Additionally, the Foundation provides mentorship and career support to ensure that recipients are well-positioned to contribute to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem upon their return.
The scholarship program also includes opportunities for internships and industry exposure, leveraging IIT Madras’s strong ties with global tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tata Consultancy Services. This holistic approach ensures that recipients gain not only academic knowledge but also practical skills and networks to drive innovation. “Our goal is to empower these young scholars to become leaders in their fields, contributing to Nigeria’s technological advancement and Africa’s global competitiveness,” said Ms. Chioma Okolie, Head of the Airtel Foundation, during the virtual ceremony.
Impact on Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
The awarding of these scholarships comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s technology sector, which has emerged as a bright spot in the country’s economy. In 2024, Nigerian startups raised over $1.2 billion in venture capital, making the country a leading destination for tech investment in Africa. However, the sector faces a critical shortage of highly skilled professionals, particularly in emerging fields like AI, data science, and renewable energy. The Airtel Foundation’s investment in Adewumi and Adebayo is a strategic move to address this gap, equipping young Nigerians with the expertise to drive innovation and create jobs.
The scholarships also align with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030), which aims to position the country as a leader in Africa’s digital economy. By supporting students to study at institutions like IIT Madras, the Airtel Foundation is contributing to the development of a skilled workforce capable of advancing Nigeria’s ambitions in areas such as fintech, healthtech, and clean energy. The return of these scholars, armed with cutting-edge knowledge and global exposure, is expected to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Broader Context: Education and Economic Development
The Airtel Foundation’s initiative reflects a broader trend of private-sector involvement in addressing educational challenges in Nigeria. With over 10 million children out of school and limited access to quality higher education, initiatives like the Airtel Foundation scholarships are critical for bridging the gap between potential and opportunity. The program also responds to the brain drain phenomenon, where talented Nigerians seek opportunities abroad due to limited prospects at home. By providing fully funded scholarships and a clear pathway for recipients to return and contribute to Nigeria, the Foundation is helping to retain talent within the country.
The partnership with IIT Madras also highlights the growing educational collaboration between Nigeria and India. India’s reputation as a global hub for technology education, coupled with its cost-effective academic programs, makes it an attractive destination for Nigerian students. Over 5,000 Nigerians are currently studying in India, with many enrolled in STEM programs. The Airtel Foundation’s collaboration with IIT Madras builds on this relationship, creating a pipeline for Nigerian students to access world-class education and return as leaders in their fields.
Stakeholder Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of the scholarships has been met with widespread praise from stakeholders in Nigeria’s education and technology sectors. The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa, commended the Airtel Foundation for its commitment to educational excellence, noting that such initiatives are critical for achieving Nigeria’s development goals. “By investing in our youth, the Airtel Foundation is helping to build a future where Nigeria leads in innovation and technology,” he said during the virtual ceremony.
Academic leaders also expressed enthusiasm for the program. Professor Ayodele Odubiyi, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, praised Adewumi’s selection, stating, “Khadijat’s achievement is a testament to the quality of education at UNILAG and the potential of Nigerian students to compete globally.” Similarly, ABU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kabiru Bala, described Adebayo as a “shining example of the talent we are nurturing in our universities.”
Industry leaders have called for more private-sector initiatives to complement government efforts in education. Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, former CEO of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the need for sustained investment in STEM education to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation. “The Airtel Foundation’s scholarships are a step in the right direction, but we need more organizations to step up and support our youth,” he said.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the scholarships represent a significant opportunity for Adewumi and Adebayo, they also highlight broader challenges in Nigeria’s education system. Limited funding for public universities, outdated curricula, and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder the development of a skilled workforce. The Airtel Foundation’s program, while impactful, can only support a small number of students, underscoring the need for systemic reforms to make quality education accessible to all.
The transition to studying abroad also presents challenges for the recipients. Adapting to a new academic and cultural environment at IIT Madras will require resilience and support. The Airtel Foundation has addressed this by providing pre-departure orientation and ongoing mentorship, but the success of the scholars will depend on their ability to navigate these challenges and leverage the opportunities available at IIT Madras.
The scholarships also present an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem through knowledge transfer. Upon their return, Adewumi and Adebayo are expected to contribute to Nigeria’s innovation landscape, potentially launching startups, mentoring young talents, or leading research initiatives. The Airtel Foundation’s emphasis on post-graduation support, including career guidance and networking opportunities, is designed to ensure that their impact is maximized.
Global and Regional Context
The Airtel Foundation’s scholarship program is part of a broader movement to empower African youth through education and skill development. Across the continent, organizations like the Mastercard Foundation and the African Leadership Academy are investing in similar initiatives to nurture the next generation of leaders. The Airtel Foundation’s focus on STEM education aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes science, technology, and innovation as drivers of economic growth.
Globally, the demand for skilled professionals in AI, data science, and renewable energy is growing rapidly. By equipping Nigerian students with expertise in these fields, the Airtel Foundation is positioning them to compete in the global job market and contribute to solving pressing challenges, such as climate change and healthcare access. The partnership with IIT Madras also strengthens Nigeria-India relations, fostering collaboration in education, technology, and innovation.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact
The success of Adewumi and Adebayo is expected to inspire other Nigerian students to pursue excellence in STEM fields. The Airtel Foundation has announced plans to expand its scholarship program in 2026, targeting more students and additional partner institutions. “This is just the beginning,” said Ms. Okolie. “We aim to create a pipeline of African tech leaders who will transform our continent and compete globally.”
To maximize the program’s impact, the Foundation is exploring partnerships with Nigerian universities to enhance STEM curricula and provide local training opportunities. Collaboration with tech hubs and incubators, such as Lagos-based Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), could also facilitate the integration of returning scholars into Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The Nigerian government has a role to play in scaling the impact of such initiatives. By investing in education infrastructure, improving access to funding, and creating an enabling environment for tech startups, the government can amplify the benefits of private-sector programs like the Airtel Foundation scholarships. The recent approval of the National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation (2025) provides a framework for such collaboration, emphasizing the need for public-private partnerships to drive technological advancement.
Conclusion
The awarding of Airtel Foundation scholarships to Khadijat Adewumi and Samuel Adebayo marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward technological leadership. By providing these exceptional students with the opportunity to study at IIT Madras, the Foundation is investing in the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and the broader African continent. The scholarships reflect a commitment to excellence, innovation, and economic development, aligning with Nigeria’s national priorities and global aspirations.
As Adewumi and Adebayo prepare to embark on their academic journey in India, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to harness its youthful talent for progress. The Airtel Foundation’s initiative serves as a model for private-sector investment in education, demonstrating the power of targeted interventions to transform lives and economies. With continued support and collaboration, Nigeria’s tech sector is poised to flourish, driven by the vision and expertise of its brightest young minds.
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