By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An initial $500,000 has been earmarked for undergraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) in Zanzibar by Airtel Africa Foundation through its Airtel Africa Fellowship Program.
The scheme is to support deserving students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence of the higher institution of learning.
Business Post gathered that the initiative was launched on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, and would benefit 10 undergraduate students for their entire course duration of four years.
The goal is to transform, shape lives and nurture future leaders who will contribute to technological innovation and economic growth of Africa.
A statement from the foundation explained that the programme would support students from 14 African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Niger, Chad, Congo B, Gabon, Madagascar and Seychelles.
Recipients of this scholarship, to be known as Airtel Africa Fellows, will receive 100 per cent of their college fees, $12,000 as per the course fee structure of the Institute for a 4-year program, and $500 to cover the living expense cost.
“IITM Zanzibar is charting a wonderful path in technical education in the region. Providing access to this high-quality education to students from Tanzania and the rest of the continent, who are topping the IITM Zanzibar screening and test processes, through financial assistance, is an important priority for us.
“We are thankful for this support from Airtel Africa Foundation, which will enhance our efforts in this direction,” Zanzibar’s Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa, said.
On his part, the Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, Mr Segun Ogunsanya, said, “We are pleased to partner with IIT Madras Zanzibar to provide opportunities for young Africans to access quality education.
“This initiative aims to contribute towards creating a prosperous and sustainable continent. We look forward to creating even more opportunities not just in education, but also in financial and digital inclusion, and environmental protection.”
Also commenting, the Director of IIT Madras, Prof. V. Kamakoti, said, “IIT Madras is committed to establishing a world class campus in Zanzibar. We are delighted that Airtel Africa Foundation is joining hands with us in this effort.
“We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of bright young students to the IITM Zanzibar campus this year. We are immensely grateful to Airtel Africa Foundation for providing financial assistance for these future global leaders.”