Headline

Step-by-step Guide To Applying For 2024 MTN Scholarship

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2024

MTN Nigeria Foundation on Friday announced scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to support education and empower the next generation of leaders.

MTN also announced that the online registration portal is now open for interested undergraduate and Postgraduate students.

It has also increased the annual award amount from N200,000 to N300,000 for eligible students.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and other academic expenses.

The application deadline is June 12th, 2024.

The MTN scholarship types you can apply for

There are three main academic scholarships available from MTN that you can apply for. These are as follows:

MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS): This flagship program, established in 2010, supports 300-level students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education) who are pursuing Science and Technology-related fields. Each year, 300 students maintaining good grades receive scholarships of N200,000.00, renewable annually until graduation.

MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS): The program began in 2012 for visually impaired students in 200 and 300-level programs enrolled in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. 100 high-achieving visually impaired students will each get a ₦ N300,000 scholarship each year until graduation if grade requirements are met.

Top 10 UTME Scholarship: The top 10 scoring candidates of UTME as announced by JAMB, automatically qualify for the top 10 UTME scholarship. The candidates are awarded scholarships from their 100 level through to graduation upon meeting grade requirements and each student will get an annual award amount of N300,000. The Top 10 UTME Scholarship is awarded irrespective of the successful candidates’ preferred course of study or Tertiary Institution – Public or Private in Nigeria.

Below is how to apply for an MTN scholarship:
1. Check Eligibility

Researching and understanding the eligibility criteria before applying for an MTN Scholarship is important. These scholarships are typically available to undergraduate students at accredited Nigerian higher institutions. Ensure you meet the minimum requirements, including age, educational background, and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average). Review the specific criteria provided by the MTN Foundation to verify your eligibility.

The eligibility requirements for the MTN Scholarships are as follows:

Institution of study

Students enrolled in a Nigerian public tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college of education) can apply for either the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship (STS) or the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS).

Course of Study

The MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is available to undergraduates in Nigerian public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education who are majoring in science or technology-related fields.

Visually impaired students in their second or third year of study at a Nigerian public university, polytechnic, or college of education are eligible to apply for the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS).

Level of Study

MTN recognises that the academic calendar varies across public tertiary institutions. Therefore, the MTN Science and Technology Scholarship is open to students who have completed their second semester of 200 level and are advancing to 300 level as well as those currently enrolled in 300 level.

The MTN Scholarship for Blind Students is available to blind students in their second or third year of study at any Nigerian public university, polytechnic, or college of education. For law students, whose program spans five years, the MTN Scholarship is available only to those in their third year of study.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
Students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics at a public university or college of education are eligible if they maintain a CGPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) or 3.5 (second-class upper).
Students in STEM fields aiming to enrol in the Higher National Diploma program at public polytechnics must have a CGPA of 3.0 or higher in their Ordinary National Diploma program.
Direct Entry students seeking to enter the third year of study in a STEM field at the university level must have a CGPA of at least 3.0 (upper credit) in the relevant subject area from the OND program.

MTN Scholarship for blind students

Visually impaired students enrolled in higher education institutions must maintain a CGPA of 2.5 or higher.

Blind students seeking the MTN scholarship at a public polytechnic must have completed the OND program with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and must be accepted into the HND program.

2. Gather the required documents

To complete the application process smoothly, gather all necessary documents and ensure all documents are well-organized, up-to-date and meet the specified requirements. These may include:

– Recent passport photograph
– Valid identification card
– Admission letter
– Academic transcripts
– Letter of recommendation from a reputable academic referee
– A concise biography of yourself and an explanation of why you deserve the scholarship

3. Visit the MTN Foundation Scholarship Portal

Access the MTN Foundation Scholarship portal through the official website at [MTN Scholarships](https://apps.mtn.ng/scholarships/).
Accurately fill in the 7-step application form, including personal details, contact information, and academic background and provide correct and verifiable information to avoid any disqualification.

4. Review

Once the necessary required information and documents have been provided, review all the provided information and attached documents and make necessary edits or corrections.

5. Submit

Once you are satisfied with your application, submit it through the portal.

Headline

26-year-old Nigerian Fatally Stabbed In London

Published

18 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

Two individuals have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, in New Cross, southeast London.

The Metropolitan Police reports that detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Ayowale charged a man and woman with murder.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Headline

Trump Threatens 250% Tariffs On Foreign Pharmaceuticals

Published

19 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250 percent, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.

“We’ll be putting (an) initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year, one-and-a-half years, maximum, it’s going to go to 150 percent,” Trump said in an interview on CNBC.

“And then it’s going to go to 250 percent because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country,” he added.

In the same interview, Trump said he expects to raise the US tariff on Indian imports “very substantially over the next 24 hours” due to the country’s purchases of Russian oil.

While Trump has aimed at products from different countries with varying tariff rates after imposing a 10-percent levy on almost all trading partners in April, these have excluded certain products he planned to target separately.

These sector-specific tariffs have generally come after government investigations that look into the national security concerns surrounding certain imports.

After earlier embarking on probes on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, the Trump administration has signaled plans to wrap up these studies, which could lead to new tariffs.

Already, Trump has slapped steep tariffs of 50 percent on imported steel and aluminum, and also rolled out a separate but lower duty on autos and parts.

AFP

Headline

UK Opens Application For Chevening Scholarships

Published

22 hours ago

August 5, 2025

Editor

The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced that applications for its Chevening Scholarships are officially open, with prospective scholars encouraged to apply between August 5 and October 7, 2025.

The Chevening programme offers fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals with demonstrated leadership potential and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their home countries and globally.

In a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Emma Hennessey, described the programme as highly competitive, selecting only the most outstanding candidates from across the world.

“Chevening’s highly competitive selection process ensures that those chosen to become Chevening Scholars or Fellows represent the brightest and most driven individuals from around the world.

“Chevening Alumni use their world-class education, global networks, and confidence gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities.

“If you can clearly demonstrate the skills needed to join them — outstanding leadership, influence, and networking skills — I strongly encourage you to apply.

“If you’re not quite there yet, I encourage you to take the time to build the experience that will make your application competitive,” Hennessey noted.

According to the statement, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, urged Nigerians with leadership potential to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Chevening is more than a scholarship — it is a gateway to a global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” he said.

“Whether your aspirations lie in shaping public policy, launching a business, or addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, the Chevening Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom to advance your knowledge and skills.

“While there is no ‘typical’ scholar, we seek individuals with the passion, ideas, and influence to drive meaningful change in Nigeria and beyond.

“Our alumni network includes dynamic professionals across diverse sectors who are making significant contributions in their fields.

“If you have the potential to lead positive change in your community, Nigeria, or globally, I encourage you to submit your application before the 7 October 2025 deadline.

“Apply today and take the first step toward this life-changing experience,” he said.

Applications must be submitted online via chevening.org/apply.

Interested applicants are also encouraged to review available guidance at chevening.org/guidance to determine their readiness for the competitive application process.

Since its launch in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported over 60,000 professionals from over 160 countries and territories.

The scholarship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations.