MTN Foundation has awarded over N6 billion worth of scholarships to Nigerian students, including the visually impaired in different tertiary institutions across the federation since the inception of the programme over 10 years ago.

Meanwhile, the foundation has awarded new scholarships to 370 students, comprising 300 students in science and technology – 60 for blind students in any field – and 10 for students who performed excellently in the Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination (UTME).

The Executive Secretary, Odunayo Sanya, who made the disclosure at the award ceremony and alumni induction of the foundation, yesterday, in Abuja, added that each of the beneficiaries would receive N200,000 yearly, as long as they continue to meet requirements that include a minimum of 3.5 CGPA or its equivalent and acquisition of any skill relevant to the field of study.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Paulinus Okwelle, noted that the initiative “is highly commendable, especially as it involves students in tertiary institutions in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Michael Abiodun, a visually impaired lawyer and author, in his address, lauded the foundation for assuaging the economic burdens of students in public tertiary institutions.