Multi-Links Telkom launches bursary

•For Nigerian students

As part of raising the tally of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Multi-Links Telkom has launched bursary for Nigerian university students, just as 10 pioneer beneficiaries were presented with digital tools made up of laptop and Evolution Data Only (EV-DO) card for internet connectivity each.

The benefitting students were selected from the Lagos State University (LASU) and University of Ibadan studying computer science and engineering, include Ocheri Victor, Akinpelu Olukunle, Omikunle Abiodun, Durodola Obadamilare, Fosudo Tolu Jude, and Afolabi Tomilayo.

Others are Erukubami Omoniyi, Abiola Olajumoke and Afolabi Tomilayo.

Speaking at the occasion, the newly appointed managing director, Multi-Links Telkom Nigeria, Mr. Thami Msimango, said that the bursary is the beginning of a long term relationship and in contributing to skills development as well as economic activities of the youth in the country.

Though, he said, the programme commenced with 10 students over a four-year period to complete studies in computer science and engineering related disciplines, there is a tendency that employment would be offered to them upon completion of studies.

He explained that the beneficiaries were selected based on their financial need and meritorious academic performance while the sponsorship for the current academic year would cover full tuition, books, accommodation and living allowance.

“The students would further be provided a laptop and EV-DO card for connectivity to support their individual academic and research work,” he said, assuring that Multi-Links Telkom, would continue to provide funding and other academic support, subject to students maintaining good academic performance.

Multi-Links, Msimango said, believes in the potentials and ability of the students to deliver.

“We see you as our future team members and hope that you will remain exemplary performers to your colleagues and the communities where you come from. More importantly, we hope that you remain committed citizens of Nigeria and will give back to the country and continent,” he charged.

The timing, he said, is apt given the current economic and social situation in the country, noting that Nigeria is endowed with remarkable natural and human resources.
Stressing that Multi-Links Telkom as a responsible corporate citizen is committed to contribute to the development of the human resource, and chose the path of investing in education of the youths.

“We all recognize that education is the bedrock of any nation and that the future of this country is dependent on the quality of education, given to and skills imparted on our youth. The youth must be adequately prepared to fit into and indeed be equipped to improve the economic and political spheres of Nigeria,” he declared.

According to him, some of the challenges facing the continent today include literacy, poverty, lack of infrastructure, access to basic health facilities, unemployment and instability, stressing that the youths above all, must be allowed to take the full advantage of the opportunities presented by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

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