Two Nigerian students have been granted scholarships for their undergraduate studies in technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), at Plaksha University in Mohali, India.
The students, Terence Ifeanyichukwu and Ali Usman Mohammed, will study at the higher institution known for reimagining engineering education for the 21st century courtesy of Airtel Africa Foundation.
They were chosen by the organisation through Airtel Nigeria in a bold step towards advancing access to education and youth empowerment in the country.
A statement from the network provider disclosed that the two students were picked as recipients of the prestigious Airtel Africa Fellowship, a flagship educational initiative of the Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa, launched in September 2024.
The fellowship aims to provide academically gifted but financially disadvantaged African youth with access to quality STEM education and global opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
The selection process, fully managed by Plaksha University, was competitive and rigorous; rooted in the university’s high standards and commitment to diversity.
Applicants were evaluated through a comprehensive process that considered academic excellence, leadership potential, personal drive, and alignment with Plaksha University’s mission.
From a broad pool spanning Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania, 21 candidates were shortlisted, with 13 completing both interview stages. Following a final review by the university’s admissions committee, two candidates, both Nigerians, were presented with admission offers.
“Beyond offering an opportunity to study in one of the most advanced universities in the world, this Fellowship is also about equipping Africa’s future tech leaders with up-to-date skills while nurturing their talent, drive, and ambition to change their communities and the world.
“We are immensely proud of Terence and Ali and are confident they will make Nigeria proud,” the chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, commented.
“Through high-calibre technology education like that which is offered through the Airtel Africa Fellowship, our hope is to contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by helping to train a large number of technical talents across the board,” he added amid plans to announce 100 additional local scholarships to more Nigerian undergraduates.