By Lukman OMIKUNLE
Nile University student Joshua Umoh explains how an MTN ₦300,000 scholarship and Skills Academy training in digital marketing and e-commerce supported his university journey
MTN Scholarship: Joshua Umoh Wins ₦300,000, Learns Digital Skills
For Joshua Umoh, gaining admission to university brought both the excitement of a new academic journey and the financial demands that come with higher education. But after performing strongly in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, he secured a ₦300,000 MTN scholarship and an opportunity to acquire digital skills that could prove valuable beyond the classroom.
Umoh, a student at Nile University in Abuja, shared his experience at SMFest Abuja, held at Family Worship Center, Wuye, on Saturday, October 17, 2026. He said the scholarship helped cover some education-related expenses, while his participation in the MTN Skills Academy programme exposed him to practical knowledge relevant to the digital economy.
“I was motivated to enroll in the Skills Academy because I also wanted to gain something beyond the financial support. I wanted to learn practical digital skills, especially in areas related to technology, that could help me in school and prepare me for future opportunities,” he said.
Through the MTN Skills Academy, Umoh studied digital marketing and e-commerce, choosing the courses because of his interest in how businesses use technology to reach customers, promote products and expand their operations.
The programme’s online format allowed him to learn at his own pace, although managing the lessons alongside other responsibilities required discipline. He said he divided the coursework into smaller sections and set achievable targets to keep himself on track.
For Umoh, the experience reinforced the importance of combining academic achievement with practical skills, particularly as employers and businesses increasingly rely on digital tools.
“The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of developing skills outside of school. The programme made me realise that good grades are important, but practical skills are also very valuable,” he said.
He added that the training strengthened his interest in technology and continuous learning, giving him a broader perspective on how he could prepare for future career opportunities.
Umoh’s experience reflects the objectives of MTN Foundation’s youth development initiatives, which include supporting education, expanding access to digital training and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to develop relevant skills.
The MTN Skills Academy offers free online learning resources, digital training and career guidance intended to help young people prepare for employment and entrepreneurship. The Foundation’s wider initiatives also include scholarship support and other programmes focused on education and skills development.
For students navigating the transition from secondary school to university, Umoh’s experience illustrates how financial assistance and skills training can complement each other. While the scholarship helped ease some of the costs associated with his education, the digital courses gave him an opportunity to develop capabilities he believes will remain useful after graduation.
He encouraged other young Nigerians to explore similar learning and scholarship opportunities, emphasising that their value goes beyond immediate financial assistance. In his view, students can improve their preparation for the future by combining formal education with practical skills and a willingness to keep learning.
His message is straightforward: academic success matters, but developing skills that can be applied beyond the classroom may also help young people prepare for a changing employment landscape.
