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MTN Foundation Hosts 2024 Scholarship Awards Ceremony in Abuja

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L-R: Dr. Othman Ibrahim, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, University of Jos; Mr. Ohwofasa Obazenu, Senior Manager of Sales and Trade Development at MTN Nigeria; Mrs. Aishatu Sadauki, Director of the MTN Foundation; Mrs. Basirat Agbabiaka, Head of the Disability Unit at the Registrar’s Office, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); Dr. Anwalu Danlami, Head of the Department at the Federal College of Education, Bichi; alongside numerous guests and the 2024 MTN Foundation scholarship awardees, at the 2024 MTN Foundation Awards Ceremony held in Enugu.
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As part of MTN’s commitment to ensuring quality education and rewarding academic excellence, the MTN Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship award ceremony in Abuja.

L-R: Dr. Othman Ibrahim, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, University of Jos; Mr. Ohwofasa Obazenu, Senior Manager of Sales and Trade Development at MTN Nigeria; Mrs. Aishatu Sadauki, Director of the MTN Foundation; Mrs. Basirat Agbabiaka, Head of the Disability Unit at the Registrar’s Office, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); Dr. Anwalu Danlami, Head of the Department at the Federal College of Education, Bichi; alongside numerous guests and the 2024 MTN Foundation scholarship awardees, at the 2024 MTN Foundation Awards Ceremony held in Enugu.

The Scholarship is an annual programme under the Foundation’s Youth Development portfolio, that recognizes and rewards high-performing students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses, and Blind students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.

The Top 10 scoring candidates of the Unified Matriculation Examination (UTME) also benefit from this programme each year.

In attendance were key stakeholders including Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, who was represented by Dr. Othman Ibrahim, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, University of Jos; Professor Is-Haq Oloyede, the current Registrar and Chief Executive of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who was represented by Mrs. Basirat Agbabiaka, Head of the Disability Unit at the Registrar’s Office, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); Mrs. Aishatu Sadauki, Director of the MTN Foundation; Dr. Anwalu Danlami, Head of the Department at the Federal College of Education, Bichi; Mr. Ohwofasa Obazenu, Senior Manager of Sales and Trade Development at MTN Nigeria alongside numerous guests. Several Alumni of the MTN Foundation Scholarship scheme across various universities in Northern Nigeria were also in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the director of MTN Foundation, Mrs. Aishatu Sadauki emphasized that education is a powerful tool for shaping minds and driving societal change, urging the new scholars to leverage their scholarships to build meaningful connections and contribute positively to their communities.

“For the past 13 years, the MTN Foundation has been driven by the belief that every individual, irrespective of their socio-economic status, has the potential to be a trailblazer, problem-solver, and visionary.

“Today, we are graduating 380 scholars whose achievements are not only a reflection of their potential, but also a contribution to the development of our great nation and beyond.They have surpassed our expectations by remaining steadfast and dedicated to excellence.

“These qualities have brought them this far, and we will not relent in our commitment to supporting their education.

“To the new scholars, I urge you to take advantage of this scholarship to build meaningful connections, acquire the knowledge you need to rise and give back to our society,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, who was represented by Dr. Othman Ibrahim, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs, University of Jos emphasized that recipients should fully embrace the scholarship opportunity, as it can greatly benefit their future, while also acknowledging MTN’s continued commitment to supporting education despite rising living costs.

“I want to sincerely thank MTN for this noble cause. I took the time to see all the good works they are doing, and the results truly speak for themselves.

“To the scholarship recipients, please don’t take this opportunity lightly. Make the best use of it, as it will benefit you greatly in the long run. It is not easy for anyone to support education these days, especially with the rising cost of living, yet MTN continues to do good work.

“I promise you that more individuals will benefit from this scholarship, and to all participants, I wish you the best of luck,” he said.

The scholarships were officially presented to the recipients during the award ceremony in Abuja. The newly awarded scholars will each enjoy a scholarship grant worth N300,000 annually till graduation as long as they maintain the required Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

The scholarship covers tuition, book allowance and stipend. To date, MTN Foundation has awarded scholarships valued at over 2.5 billion naira to Nigerian students.

 


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Enugu to Host The Gathering on 100 as MTN-Backed Youth Movement Expands Across Nigeria

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Nigeria’s fast-rising youth culture and innovation community, The Gathering on 100, is heading to Enugu, with registration now open for gamers, performers, DJs, creatives, and culture enthusiasts.

Enugu to Host The Gathering on 100 as MTN-Backed Youth Movement Expands Across Nigeria

MTN

The Enugu edition will take place on June 19, 2026, at ICC Hall, Okpara Square, and will bring together a new audience for the platform’s signature blend of music, gaming, live performance, community engagement, and youth-driven entertainment.

The Gathering on 100 first gained national attention in Lagos, where it transformed the National Stadium, Surulere, into a continuous 100-hour ecosystem of activity from April 22–26, 2026.

The event combined culture, commerce, entrepreneurship, gaming, fashion, and live entertainment, attracting thousands of young participants and creating opportunities for emerging talent and businesses.

The movement most recently arrived in Aba, where thousands of young people gathered for a weekend of culture, commerce and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the platform’s growing appeal across different communities and audiences.

The move to Enugu is being framed by organisers as a deliberate expansion into one of Nigeria’s largest student and youth populations. Home to major institutions including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Godfrey Okoye University and Coal City University, Enugu attracts thousands of young people from across the country each year, creating a vibrant community shaped by education, creativity, entertainment and entrepreneurship.

This concentration of young talent has helped fuel a growing ecosystem of creators, performers, gamers, digital entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In recent years, the city has hosted an increasing number of technology, entertainment and youth-focused events, reflecting the growing demand for platforms that bring together creativity, opportunity and community.

These dynamics make Enugu a natural next stop for The Gathering on 100, a platform built around showcasing talent, fostering connections and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.

Registration for the Enugu edition is now open through The Gathering’s official website, with participation available across multiple categories including gaming, rap battles, DJ competitions, dance, live performances and entrepreneurship.

A key highlight of the event will be the Pitchathon, where emerging founders and business owners will have the opportunity to present their ideas before a panel of judges for a chance to secure grant funding and support for business growth.

The gaming segment will feature competitive tournaments and interactive experiences designed for both casual and serious players, while rap battles and DJ showdowns will spotlight rising talent from Enugu and neighbouring states.

Attendees can also expect a large scale rave experience, live entertainment and community driven activities designed to bring together different corners of the region’s youth culture under one roof.

Beyond the entertainment, organisers say The Gathering on 100 is designed to create real opportunities for young people to connect, collaborate and gain visibility for their talents, ideas and businesses.

As the movement continues its expansion across Nigeria, the Enugu edition is expected to showcase the city’s unique blend of creativity, ambition and cultural influence while providing a platform for the next generation of innovators, performers and entrepreneurs.


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Prof. Dzidonu Urges Universities to Produce Deep Thinkers for AI Age

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Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), has said that the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation demands graduates who are capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, innovation, and responsible leadership.

Prof. Dzidonu Urges Universities to Produce Deep Thinkers for AI Age

Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, President of Accra Institute of Technology (AIT).

Professor Dzidonu noted that universities exist not merely to award degrees but to develop capable human beings who can think critically, solve problems creatively, adapt to changing circumstances, and contribute meaningfully to society.

He reiterated AIT’s commitment to producing graduates who are technically competent, ethically grounded, intellectually curious, and globally competitive.

The Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) has officially welcomed newly admitted students into its academic community at a colourful matriculation ceremony held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the university’s Knowledge City Campus-Kokomlemle in Accra.

Speaking on the theme, “Preparing the Sovereign Learner for a World of Opportunity, Possibility and Difference,” the President encouraged students to adopt the Opportunity–Possibility–Difference (OPD) Perspective by recognizing opportunities, exploring possibilities, and creating meaningful differences in their lives and communities. He urged them to see beyond examinations and certificates and focus on building capability, character, and courage.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the new students as they formally became members of the AIT scholarly community, joining a university renowned for excellence in technology-driven education, innovation, research, and professional development.

The matriculating class comprises students pursuing programmes in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Occupational Health and Safety Management, Project Management, and doctoral studies.

Addressing the matriculating class, the President of AIT, Professor Clement K. Dzidonu, congratulated the students on their admission and challenged them to embrace what he termed “The Age of the Sovereign Learner.” He emphasized that the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation demands graduates who are capable of independent thinking, continuous learning, innovation, and responsible leadership.

Professor Dzidonu further challenged the students to make the most of the opportunities available to them at AIT by attending lectures consistently, acting ethically, managing their time wisely, and committing themselves to lifelong learning.

He reminded them that success at the university would depend not only on the resources and support systems provided by AIT but also on their personal commitment to excellence and self-development.

On behalf of the newly admitted students, Mr. Samuel Peace Kamara delivered the matriculants’ acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to the university’s leadership, faculty, and staff for the warm reception extended to the new students.

He pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, that they would uphold the values of the university, work diligently in their studies, and strive to become responsible professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

The ceremony concluded with a formal declaration admitting the students into membership of the university community and a call on them to embrace the opportunities before them, pursue excellence, and contribute positively to national and global development.


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FG Debunks Claims of Plans to Introduce Telecoms, Fuel Taxes

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Federal government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, describing the claims as false and misleading.

FG Clears the Air on New Fuel and Telecom Tax Reports

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Finance and signed by Mrs Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

According to the ministry, reports linking the alleged taxes to recommendations contained in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria do not reflect the position of the government.

It explained that recommendations contained in IMF consultation reports are advisory in nature and do not constitute policy decisions or binding obligations on the Federal Government.

“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.

The ministry also clarified that existing tax arrangements relating to petroleum products remain unchanged.

It stated that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel remains in force and has not been removed.

According to the statement, any fuel surcharge can only be introduced through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, noting that no such action is currently under consideration.

The ministry added that the current policy framework has helped cushion the impact of fluctuations in global fuel prices on households and businesses across the country.

On telecommunications services, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 had already been repealed under the country’s new tax laws.

It stressed that the duty is no longer in effect.

The ministry urged Nigerians, businesses and media organisations to disregard reports suggesting that new taxes would be imposed on telecommunications services and petroleum products.

It reiterated that Nigeria’s tax reform agenda remains focused on improving revenue administration, promoting economic growth and attracting investments rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.

The ministry further assured that any future tax policy changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented in accordance with due process and existing legal provisions.

It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and responsible economic management aimed at supporting sustainable growth and protecting the welfare of Nigerians.


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