The Enugu State Government has commended the MTN Foundation for its significant and sustained contributions to education and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

Governor Peter Mbah gave the commendation on Wednesday at the 2024 MTN Foundation Scholarship Award and Alumni Induction Ceremony held in Enugu. The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, described the Foundation’s scholarship scheme as a crucial investment in the nation’s human capital.

He expressed his delight that Enugu State was chosen to host the prestigious event, which recognizes top-performing students in science, technology, and other fields, including visually impaired scholars.

Governor Mbah highlighted the alignment between MTN’s initiatives and his administration’s ambitious vision for education, which includes allocating 33% of the state’s budget to the sector.

“We have launched the Enugu State Education Transformation Plan (EETP) to move from rote learning to experiential learning, innovation, and productivity,” Mbah stated. “Through our Smart Green Schools, which commenced in September, we are equipping our children with the skills to compete globally.”

While applauding the Foundation’s focus on education as a driver of national growth, the Governor encouraged MTN to extend its corporate social responsibility to other critical sectors. He also expressed the state government’s openness to future partnerships with the telecom giant to deliver more impactful projects.

In her address, the General Manager of MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, described the ceremony as a celebration of “excellence, resilience, and the boundless potential of Nigerian youth.” She revealed that the foundation has awarded nearly 15,000 scholarships since its inception, benefiting over 5,000 students across the country.

“You are not here by chance,” Sanya told the new scholars. “You have demonstrated not just academic excellence but character and resilience. Through the MTN Skills Academy, we will continue to equip you with digital and leadership skills to prepare you for the future.”

The event also served to showcase the Foundation’s tangible interventions, such as the newly constructed and equipped modern science laboratory at Union Boys Secondary School, Awkunanaw, which was commended by the State Commissioner for Science and Technology.

A beneficiary, Akas Favour Ngozi, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), thanked the foundation for its belief in their potential, stating that the scholarship provides a vital platform for students to pursue their dreams.

The ceremony was attended by education stakeholders, government officials, parents, and members of the MTN Scholarship Alumni network, who collectively praised the initiative as a model for sustainable youth development in Nigeria.