Encomium
The MTN Foundation scholarship scheme provides an invaluable opportunity for youths to access standard education and offer excellent opportunities after graduation. The scheme awards scholarship grants worth N200,000 annually to Nigerian youths across tertiary institutions yearly, till graduation.
To announce the newly awarded scholars and induct graduating scholars into the MTN Alumni base, the Foundation held an event on Friday, November 12, 2020. Some of the personalities at the event were Senior Partner, TLcom Capital LLP, Dr. Omobola Johnson; Founder and General Partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Chief Transformation Officer, MTN Nigeria, Olubayo Adekanmbi. Also present were Chief Commercial Officer, Mixta Africa, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, and Technical Assistant to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami represented by Dr. Olufemi Adeluyi who all participated in a fireside chat moderated by Nigerian TV Presenter, Bolanle Olukanni.
The fireside chat themed; ‘Insight. Influence. Impact.’ provided scholars with critical tips on navigating life. Here are some of the most noteworthy points:
- Mentoring only works when you apply yourself
People often think that mentorship is a one-track road to success but Mrs. Rolake Akinkuge Filani, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mixta Africa, had a contrary opinion. She explained that mentoring only works when the mentee puts in the work. When asked the role mentorship played in advancing her career, she responded saying, “Mentoring is not going to transform one`s life if the individual is not willing to play their part. Mentoring is about the value you are bringing to the relationship.”
- Get on the Tech train
You probably hear this advice often. While it might seem tiresome for someone who is not in the field, conversations at the chat exposed that technology is becoming such an integral part of our lives and it’s important to start engaging with it. When describing how scholars will be able to compete on a global stage, Olubayo Adekanmbi, Chief Transformation Officer, MTN Nigeria, stated that “Artificial intelligence and its other subsidiaries are necessary skills needed to thrive in today`s world;” encouraging the students “to deploy the advantage in science and technology in order to maintain relevance.”
Dr. Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner, TLcom Capital LLP also mentioned that there is a growing need to get a workforce that is interested in technology. She said, “We are in a state where we need world-class educational institutions that will enable students to be very vast in science, technology and engineering.”
- Focus on practical solutions instead of theoretical ones
The panelists emphasized the importance of seeking applied solutions for today’s world instead of abstract ones. Mr Olubayo Adekanmbi initially pointed it out, stating that “The world is now looking for practical solutions and not just theoretical ones.” Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founder and General Partner, Future Africa, corroborated his statement concerning the educational sector, adding, “The education system should be application-focused rather than just theory. This is to ensure that students are constantly solving problems.”
Dr Olufemi Adeluyi also added that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy has a series of training programmes and centers organised by the ministry to build the necessary skills needed for students to thrive.
