For Terence Ifeanyichukwu and Ali Usman Mohammed, dreams of becoming technology leaders have taken a giant leap forward. The two Nigerian students have been awarded fully funded scholarships by the Airtel Africa Foundation to study at Plaksha University in India under the Airtel Africa Fellowship programme.
The Fellowship, launched in September 2024, is the flagship initiative of Airtel Africa Foundation designed to give bright but financially disadvantaged African youth access to world-class STEM education and global opportunities.
After a rigorous selection process involving candidates from across five African countries, Terence and Ali emerged as the only two winners. At Plaksha University, they will study technology-focused courses including Artificial Intelligence, preparing them for careers that could shape Africa’s digital future.
“This initiative is not just about education; it is about nurturing the continent’s future innovators,” said Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation. “We are incredibly proud of Terence and Ali and confident they will represent Nigeria with distinction.”
The selection process, led by Plaksha University, assessed candidates on academic excellence, leadership, and motivation. From 21 shortlisted applicants, 13 advanced to final interviews, with the two Nigerians securing the coveted spots.
For Airtel Africa, this marks another step in its mission to empower young Africans with digital skills, break the cycle of poverty, and build a generation ready to drive transformation.
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, added: “This scholarship is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. By giving our youth access to advanced education, we are preparing a globally competitive workforce to lead the digital economy.”
For Terence and Ali, however, the scholarships mean something more personal a doorway to opportunity, a chance to reimagine their futures, and a promise that talent and determination can indeed change lives.


