Speaking at the Data Science Nigeria (DSN) 2025 AI Bootcamp held at the University of Lagos, Sanya challenged young innovators to focus on how they use technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real societal problems.

“For me, the key message is: what are we doing with the knowledge we have? How are we impacting our communities, our nation, and the world?” she said. “The moment we can crack that, then we are truly on to something.”

Sanya, who has worked extensively on empowerment and capacity-building initiatives, underscored the need for greater synergy between the classroom and industry, citing global examples where interdisciplinary collaboration has yielded innovation.

“In countries like the Netherlands, engineers and medical doctors work together to optimize healthcare processes. We need to replicate that kind of collaboration here, bridging the gap between universities, industries, and communities,” she said. “At the end of the day, the knowledge we acquire should make industries better and positively impact the community.”

Driving Inclusivity: Women and Language in AI

On gender inclusivity, Sanya noted that while efforts to increase women’s participation in science and technology are gaining ground, more deliberate social reorientation and educational reforms are required.

“It’s not just about women in AI, but women in tech and science generally. Through our STEM scholarships, we’ve achieved a 50-50 gender balance this year, without lowering standards,” she shared. “We must socialize girls early, reorient our education system, and even recruit traditional, religious, and community leaders as champions of this cause.”

She proposed integrating AI learning into community spaces such as churches, mosques, and local centers to make knowledge accessible to women who may not have the opportunity to attend formal institutions.

Sanya also addressed the need to overcome language barriers to inclusion, describing linguistic diversity as Nigeria’s hidden digital divide.

“Inclusivity in Nigeria is not just about gender, it’s about language. With over 200 local languages, people should be able to learn in their native tongue,” she said. “Breaking the language barrier will help bridge gaps in literacy and numeracy, allowing millions of out-of-school children and even adults to benefit from AI-driven learning.”

MTN Foundation’s Broader Vision

Highlighting MTN Foundation’s role in youth empowerment, Sanya reaffirmed that the Foundation remains committed to creating opportunities for young Nigerians through initiatives in health, education, and digital skills.

“For us at the Foundation, it’s all about young people. Whether it’s in health, where we focus on mothers and children, or in youth development, we’re deeply committed to the Nigerian youth,” she stated. “DSN is doing a great job, and our participation here reinforces our commitment to supporting initiatives that prepare young people for the future.”

When asked about the key skills required for Africa’s digital future, Sanya stressed the importance of problem-solving, collaboration, and ethical AI use.

“You must be able to solve problems. Knowledge without the ability to solve real issues doesn’t create impact,” she said. “We must humanize our use of data and apply AI ethically and responsibly.”

She concluded by describing Africa’s AI future in one word: “Limitless.”

Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, acting director of the NITDA IT Hub (NITHub) at the University of Lagos, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and analytical thinking as essential skill sets for individuals seeking to remain competitive in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

In this phase, the initiative will empower 6,000 young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and seven states including Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokotoand Taraba.

This capacity-building effort is part of the Foundation’s commitment to developing sustainable businesses and fostering youth-led economic growth in Nigeria.

It targets individuals running micro businesses less than two years old, with a strong interest in digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation, said: 

“We believe in the power of Nigeria’s youth to lead innovation and transformation. Through this programme, we are providing access to the right tools, skills and resources to help young entrepreneurs succeed and make an impact in their communities. For us, it’s a commitment to nation-building.”

Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 9,384 entrepreneurs across 22 states. Of these, 500 micro business owners have received equipment grants to support their business growth.

For the 7th phase of this initiative, the call for applications will run for four weeks, after which 6,000 applicants will be shortlisted for four weeks of blended training (self-paced and instructor-led) and a week of Masterclasses featuring industry experts.

The top 600 participants will receive post-training support and equipment grants worth up to N300 million in total, to scale their ventures.

The MTN Foundation remains committed to fostering digital inclusion and equipping youth with the skills, tools, and opportunities to improve their livelihoods, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the society.

This initiative reaffirms MTN Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young Nigerian musical talent and contributing to the growth of the arts and culture sector in Nigeria.

The MTN MUSON Music Scholars Programme is a fully funded scholarship that offers comprehensive music training at the prestigious MUSON School of Music in Lagos.

The scholarship covers tuition, books and transportation, ensuring that aspiring musicians have the support they need to hone their skills and pursue their passion.

Since its inception, the programme has empowered numerous young Nigerians, enriching their lives and contributing significantly to the vibrant Nigerian music scene.

Graduates have gone on to achieve success across various areas of the music industry, both locally and internationally. 

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with MUSON and the profound impact this scholarship programme has had on the lives of young Nigerians,” said Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation. “At MTN, we believe in the power of youth and the transformative potential of education. This programme is a demonstration of our dedication to fostering talent and building a sustainable future for the creative arts in Nigeria.” 

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply for the programme, which offers a rigorous curriculum designed to develop well-rounded musicians.

The application deadline for the 2025/2026 academic year is August 25, 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for auditions and interviews at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The programme is open to talented young Nigerians who wish to improve their musical skills. Applicants must meet the following minimum academic qualifications:

• A Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) with at least credits in five (5) subjects including English Language.
• A higher pass certificate of music (Practical and Theory) from a recognized examination body such as MUSON, ABRSM or Trinity.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants who possess the following practical or theory certificates may also satisfy the GCE (O/L) or SSCE requirements.

PRACTICAL: Grade five (5) or higher pass certificate of The MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognised by the MUSON School.

THEORY: Grade five (5) or higher pass certificate of the MUSON School of Music or any other music examining body recognized by the MUSON School.

Applicants who do not meet the theory requirement but demonstrate outstanding practical ability may be considered. Such students must undertake a remedial theory course and pass the required examination within their first year.

For more information and to apply, visit: muson.org/diploma-school/.

The launch event, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, brought together top government officials, education stakeholders, and technology experts, reinforcing the importance of public-private collaboration in building a digitally inclusive Nigeria.

With youth unemployment over 6% and more than 18.3 million children out of school, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria faces a pressing need to close the digital skills gap.

The Skills Academy directly responds to this challenge by offering free, self-paced courses and certifications in high-demand areas such as data analysis, software engineering, digital marketing, and project management.

In her welcome address, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, chairman of the MTN Foundation, represented by Simon Aranonu, director of the MTN Foundation, stated,

“We believe digital skills are a truly powerful asset. No Nigerian youth or child should be left behind because of their socioeconomic background. This platform is designed to provide world-class learning experiences, helping Nigerian youth thrive and become future leaders.”

To date, the platform has over 7,000 people learning and over 3,000 courses completed, setting a strong foundation for nationwide scalability.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in his keynote, described the platform as “unique and critical.”

“Nigeria is a country that is extremely blessed. With an average age of just 16.9, we are one of the youngest populations in the world. This program is not just about training; it’s about equipping a generation that will drive innovation, deepen our economy, and position Nigeria as a net exporter of tech talent,” the Minister commented.

Odunayo Sanya, executive director of the MTN Foundation, added,

“We are focused on building Africa’s largest digital talent pipeline. Through relevant and practical courses across various disciplines, offered in collaboration with the global e-learning platform Coursera, this web-based training system will be instrumental in promoting a digitally skilled workforce.”

The platform, available at skillsacademy.mtn.com, is open to individuals aged 13 and above, whether in school, recently graduated, self-employed, or unemployed. It also features a career guidance tool to help secondary school students and other users explore pathways aligned with their strengths and market demand.

This initiative is part of the MTN Foundation’s broader Digital Skills for Digital Jobs programme, which aligns with the Nigerian Government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

The continuation of the scholarship programme reaffirms the TechCo Foundation’s dedication to strengthening the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), encouraging excellence in academic pursuit, deepening diversity and inclusion by empowering blind students in Nigeria.

The programme provides three categories of scholarships annually: the Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS), the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS), and the Top 10 UTME Scholarship.

The STS is open to all 300-level Science and Technology students with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 (Second Class Upper or its equivalent); SBS caters to the educational needs of blind students in 200-level with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or its equivalent.

The top 10 scoring candidates of the UTME, as announced by JAMB, automatically qualify for the MTN Foundation Top 10 UTME scholarship.

As part of its ongoing investment in education, the MTN Foundation has awarded 14,728 scholarships in the past 15 years, worth over NGN3 billion.

The scholars are provided platforms to acquire relevant skills and practical knowledge to thrive in today’s evolving job market.

Speaking on the impact of the scholarship program, Odunayo Sanya, executive director of the MTN Foundation, said:

“Education is the backbone of national development, and at MTN Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that no bright mind is left behind due to financial constraints. This scholarship is not just about funding education; it is about investing in Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers.”

Since 2024, the MTN Foundation has increased the scholarship award amount from NGN200,000 to NGN300,000 annually for three years until graduation, provided the scholars maintain the minimum grade point requirement. The scholarship program is richly embedded with Mentorship, Internship and digital certification opportunities.

Eligibility and How to Apply to MTN Foundation Scholarship 2025

The application process is straightforward and conducted online, making it accessible for students nationwide.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to visit here and apply before the application deadline on April 25, 2025.

According to Inuwa, this forms part of efforts to reform the economy for sustained and inclusive growth.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by MTN Foundation delegation, led by Odunayo Sanya, the executive secretary, at the Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

The Director-General emphasised the importance of synergy in fostering digital literacy and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda of promoting industrialisation to create a dynamic and diverse economic landscape.

He noted that NITDA’s initiative, DL4ALL, aims to achieve 95% digital literacy across the country by the year 2027.

“This aligns with the Agency’s strategic pillar of fostering digital literacy and cultivate talents,” he noted.

Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s dedication to developing a digital literacy framework based on UNESCO and DigiCom standards, adding that the Agency is collaborating with stakeholders to create a three-phase curriculum for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, with a focus on prioritising skills over certifications.

The MTN Foundation shares similar goals and currently offers online programmes featuring over 4,000 courses, with 2,000 young Nigerians already registered.

Sanya commended NITDA’s initiatives and invited the Agency to unveil its academy platform on April 17th of this year.

Both organisations have agreed to establish a committee to efficiently achieve their shared objectives.

This partnership is expected to drive digital literacy and capacity building in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s national development agenda.

The donations form part of the foundation’s Learning Support Materials Initiative (LSMI) aimed at improving learning experiences for students nationwide

The MTNF Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI) is a program created to empower students with essential academic tools, enabling them to reach their highest academic capabilities.

Over 1000 students received vital resources such as school bags and exercise books, with the schools also receiving additional equipment like umbrellas and  Wi-Fi routers to aid the implementation of technology in learning.

The initiative forms part of MTN Foundation’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and educational development in Nigeria. Over the years, the foundation has invested in education through several initiatives.

These include the MTN Scholarship Scheme for science and technology students and blind scholars at the undergraduate level. Additionally, MTN Foundation’s Science and Technology Lab Project (STLP) has resulted in the refurbishment of 102 science laboratories in public secondary schools across the country.

Speaking on the Learning Support Material Initiative (LSMI) and the Foundation’s dedication to national development through education, Odunayo Sanya, the executive director, MTN Foundation, said:

“At MTN Nigeria Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of growth and development, and all students deserve access to the resources necessary to unlock their full potential. This initiative emphasizes our commitment to fostering an enabling environment for learning and supporting access to quality education.”

The impact of these donations was evident and appreciated by students who expressed that the learning materials would aid their learning process and educators who affirmed that they would be put to good use.

This initiative demonstrates how corporate entities can play pivotal roles in supporting societal needs while promoting sustainable development within the communities they serve.

The Learning Support Materials Initiative by MTN Foundation highlights its unwavering dedication towards empowering young minds across Nigeria.

Through strategic educational support programs, the foundation contributes to bridging resource gaps faced by several public institutions and shaping brighter futures nationwide.

Now in its 18th year, the scholarship supports and nurtures the next generation of Nigerian musicians.

The programme offers a fully funded two-year diploma course in music, providing a unique opportunity for talented individuals to receive world-class training and mentorship from MUSON’s esteemed faculty.

The MTN-MUSON Scholars Programme prioritises both vocal and instrumental music, ensuring that students receive specialised training tailored to their chosen field.

Vocal majors will benefit from intensive training, developing their techniques, range, and expressiveness. Instrumental majors will receive personalised instruction in a variety of classical music instruments such as the piano, violin, cello, flute, and more, achieving proficiency and mastery in their selected instrument.

In expressing her enthusiasm, Odunayo Sanya, executive director of MTN Foundation said

“At MTN Foundation, we are committed to empowering young Nigerians and fostering the growth of our rich cultural heritage. The MTN MUSON School of Music Scholarship is one way we continually nurture talent, providing opportunities for aspiring musicians to take the global stage.

Successful applicants will benefit from an annual scholarship covering tuition, books, and transportation expenses for the duration of their studies, which will cover both theoretical and practical aspects, access to MUSON’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources and performance opportunities in the school’s concerts and events.

Interested candidates can apply online by visiting the official MTN Foundation website at muson.org/diploma-school.

The application deadline is on August 18, 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for auditions and interviews at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

MTN Nigeria remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young Nigerians and enrich the cultural landscape of the country.

Through the MTN MUSON School of Music Scholarship, MTN Nigeria continues to invest in arts and culture, recognising the vital role that these play in fostering creativity, unity, and national pride.

This partnership with MUSON reflects MTN’s dedication to providing platforms for young talents to develop their skills and achieve their dreams, ensuring that Nigeria’s rich musical heritage is preserved and celebrated on both national and international stages.

The summit gathered leaders from various sectors and NGOs to learn and network collaboratively, showcasing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for non-profits and social enterprises.

AI offers great potential for non-profits to transform their social impact interventions at scale. As a general-purpose technology, it can improve the quality of lives of citizens in various sectors, such as health, financial inclusion, agriculture, and education.

By showcasing how AI can significantly improve efficiency, scale impact, and address socio-economic challenges, the summit demonstrated the relevance and importance of AI for low-resourced countries like Nigeria.

During the event, Winnie Karanu, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) philanthropies lead at Microsoft, reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to driving AI transformation in the sector, stating:

“At Microsoft, we believe that AI can be a powerful force for good in Nigeria, where it can help solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the country. That is why we are dedicated to equipping non-profits with the AI tools and knowledge they need to amplify their impact and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.“

An engaging panel discussion moderated by Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, CEO/Founder of Data Science Nigeria, focused on the role of AI in social good, sharing practical examples and emphasizing the importance of ethical AI development.

The panel included top professionals such as Dr. Oladipupo Sennaike, a senior lecturer from the University of Lagos and one of the principal investigators of the EduAI Hub; Ms. Odunayo Sanya, executive director of MTN Foundation; Dr. Frederick Atenaga, Information Management Officer and expert on Humanitarian Affairs; and Mr. Sunday Taiwo, Head ICT and Vice President of GIEVA, the grant winner of the renowned Microsoft and DataDotOrg Grant.

Participants at the Summit also engaged in hands-on workshops, acquiring practical AI skills to apply in their organizations, and explored a variety of cutting-edge digital tools designed to enhance the social impact of non-profits.

These sessions provided a great opportunity to demonstrate emerging AI applications for key non-profit operations such as fundraising, program planning, human resource management, partner management, outreach optimization, personalized donor management, and precision-based intervention.

Reliance Infosystems Limited, a Microsoft Tech for Social Impact Partner, made a substantial contribution by demonstrating non-profit industry innovation on Microsoft business applications.

Its focus included fundraising and engagement, volunteer management, and program impact dashboards.

Microsoft and DSN share a vision of digital inclusivity and skills development for non-profits. This mission is supported by Microsoft’s Philanthropies team, which also partners with the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide digital skills across the country through the Digital Skills Nigeria platform.

For more insights into the program, watch the documentary here.

Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi, founder/CEO of DSN, highlighted the importance of ongoing AI capacity development efforts.

“Our collaboration with Microsoft aims to equip Nigerian non-profits with the skills needed to create inclusive and equitable AI applications. This initiative will enable these organizations to address critical issues in health, finance, agriculture, and education, focusing on the practical application of AI across sectors.”

Ultimately, the collaboration hopes to drive significant social impact in Nigeria by demonstrating the potential for AI to support social good initiatives and offering practical insights on how to leverage the technology for programmatic and capacity development purposes.

Participants were invited to explore the Microsoft non-profit platform, a valuable resource that can be accessed here.

This is in line with the Foundation’s extensive efforts to positively showcase Nigeria’s many cultures and history and create opportunities for young Nigerian creatives in arts and culture through stage plays and dramatic storytelling.

The play is scheduled to be staged in Lagos during the year-end holiday from December 23 to January 2, 2023, at Terra Kulture Arena.

It also features seasoned actors including Gideon Okeke, Uzo Osimpka, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan and Oluwatosin Adeyemi.

Motherland the Musical tells the story of our past, present and future. It is a fest of beautiful costuming, storytelling, amazing music and exceptional dances from different tribes that call themselves Nigeria.

Situated in a town hall narrative, the conflict areas also look at the issues that are uppermost in the minds of young Nigerians and youths today.

Motherland the Musical promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions and a spectacle of all our cultural outfits, music and stories.

Speaking on the relation of the partnership with BAP to produce the musical, Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, said, “This partnership is in furtherance of the MTN Foundation’s goal to preserve Nigerian stories while positively showcasing Nigeria’s many beautiful cultures. At MTN Foundation, we believe that while we continue to evolve as a collective, we must not lose sight of our history and culture. This is one of the reasons we have remained committed to both the preservation and positive projections of our stories by supporting and promoting the arts. Beyond that, we also consider it an avenue for youth development.’’

Motherland the Musical is one of the many arts and culture initiatives the Foundation has supported this year. Others include the Life in My City Art Festival and Beeta Playwrights competition.

It will also be recalled that MTN Foundation has invested over N380 million in over 15 theatre productions across Nigeria.

Over 3,000 young creatives and skilled professionals have also benefited from the Foundation’s support.

Some of the productions supported by the foundation in the past include Oluronbi the Musical, Saro the Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Five Maids of Fadaka, OMG the Musical, and Flower the Musical.