23 Unilorites receive Airtel scholarships
By Mustafa Abubakar and Esther Yusuf
Twenty-three 100-level students of the University of Ilorin have received scholarships, cash awards and digital learning equipment from Airtel Nigeria and the Airtel Africa Foundation under the Foundation’s Tertiary Education Support Initiative.
The beneficiaries were presented with the awards penultimate Tuesday (July 28, 2026) during the inauguration of the newly elected Students’ Union Executive Council, held at the University Auditorium.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Morenikeji Alex Akanmu, described the intervention as a life-changing opportunity for the beneficiaries, noting that each student had already received ₦500,000 in his or her bank account before the ceremony.
According to Dr Akanmu, the scholarship package comprises an annual ₦500,000 grant, a brand-new laptop and a structured mentorship programme that will run throughout the beneficiaries’ academic programmes.
He explained that the scholarship would be renewed every year until the beneficiaries’ graduation, provided they maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5.
Dr Akanmu said the initiative formed part of the concluding activities of the outgoing Students’ Union Administration led by Adelu, adding that the beneficiaries were selected after a rigorous screening process.
Presenting the laptops to the beneficiaries, the State Business Manager of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Latif Lawal, said the initiative was designed to promote educational development and empower outstanding students.
Mr Lawal explained that the programme, which is in its maiden edition, aligns with the Airtel Africa Foundation’s four strategic pillars of education, financial inclusion, digital inclusion and environmental sustainability.
He disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from six universities across Nigeria, adding that the University of Ilorin produced the highest number of successful candidates, with 23 scholars.
According to Lawal, the ₦500,000 already paid covers tuition and living support for the first academic session, while subsequent tuition fees will be paid directly to the University account, subject to the beneficiaries maintaining the required academic performance.
He added that the laptops, backpacks and other study materials presented to the beneficiaries were intended to strengthen their digital capacity and support learning throughout their studies.
Mr Lawal also announced that another batch of beneficiaries would be selected under the programme’s second cohort, which will accommodate an additional 100 students nationwide.
He reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to supporting education and youth development in Nigeria and across Africa.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, commended Airtel Nigeria and the Airtel Africa Foundation for investing in the education of Nigerian youths. He urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by maintaining academic excellence and exemplary character throughout their studies.
The Vice Chancellor also appealed to Airtel to deepen its partnership with the University by supporting students in the areas of transportation and on-campus accommodation.
The ceremony was attended by Principal Officers, officials of the Student Affairs Division, student leaders, representatives of Airtel Nigeria, and a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara State.
