MTN Foundation restates dedication to youth empowerment

L-R: Oluwaseun Nifemi, technical delivery lead, Consulting and Services, DSN; Dr. Amina Sambo Magaji, founder, She & Tech Nigeria; Aanu Oyeniran, Business Lead, DSN; Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation; Dr. Oduntan Esther, chief lecturer, Department of Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State; and Dr. Sakinat Folorunso, Associate Professor, AI Systems and FAIR Data, Olabisi Onabanjo University, at the 2025 Data Science Nigeria (DSN) AI Bootcamp held at the University of Lagos on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

At the 2025 Data Science Nigeria (DSN) AI Bootcamp held at the University of Lagos, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation dunayo Sanya, reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive digital transformation across Africa.
Sanya emphasized that true progress lies not only in acquiring knowledge but in applying it to solve real societal challenges. She called for deeper collaboration among universities, industries, and communities to unlock Africa’s innovation potential.
“The real question is: what are we doing with the knowledge we have? How are we using it to impact our communities, our nation, and the world?” she stated. “Once we answer that, we’re truly creating value.”
Drawing inspiration from global examples, Sanya highlighted how multidisciplinary cooperation fuels innovation, citing partnerships between engineers and medical professionals in countries like the Netherlands. She urged similar models in Nigeria to bridge gaps between academia and industry.
“Knowledge should not end in the classroom—it should transform industries and communities,” she added.
Championing Inclusivity: Women and language in technology
Addressing gender and linguistic inclusion, Sanya noted the steady progress in encouraging women’s participation in science and technology but stressed the need for continued cultural and educational reforms.
“Our STEM scholarship programme achieved a 50-50 gender balance this year without compromising standards,” she shared. “We must engage girls early and involve community leaders in driving this change.”
She also proposed bringing AI education to community spaces such as churches, mosques, and local centers—making learning accessible to women unable to pursue formal education.
Sanya further identified language diversity as an overlooked challenge in Nigeria’s digital inclusion journey.
“Inclusivity isn’t only about gender—it’s also about language,” she explained. “With over 200 local languages, we need to ensure people can learn in their mother tongue. That’s key to improving literacy and bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.”
MTN Foundation’s broader vision
Reiterating the Foundation’s mission, Sanya said MTN Foundation continues to invest in initiatives that empower young Nigerians through education, health, and digital skills development.
“Our focus is on young people—whether through health programmes for mothers and children or through capacity-building in tech and education,” she affirmed. “Supporting platforms like DSN reflects our dedication to preparing the next generation for the digital future.”
She emphasized that Africa’s growth depends on problem-solving, collaboration, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
“Knowledge must translate into solutions. We need to humanize data and ensure AI is used responsibly,” she said, 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, echoed her sentiments, stressing that continuous learning, analytical thinking, and leadership remain essential for thriving in an AI-driven world.
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