MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — In a major boost to digital education in Nigeria’s North-East, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc on Wednesday donated 750 digital tablets to 15 public secondary schools across Borno State, as part of its commitment to expanding digital access and promoting innovation in learning.

The donation, which saw each school receive 50 tablets, was made during a symbolic handover ceremony in Maiduguri, the state capital. The event was attended by school officials, education stakeholders, and state government representatives.

Speaking at the occasion, MTN’s Acting Managing Director for Borno, Yobe, and Gombe States, Tijanni Salihu, described the initiative as a reflection of MTN’s belief in using technology as a tool for transformation.

“This ceremony represents more than the distribution of digital devices. It reflects our shared commitment to education, innovation, and opportunity for every child, no matter where they live,” Salihu said. “We believe everyone deserves a modern, connected life.”

He noted that the donation aligns with the Federal Government’s digital literacy agenda, adding that the project was initiated following a request by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the Tinubu administration.

“This initiative was conceived by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who requested MTN’s support in equipping schools with digital tools,” he explained.

Salihu further disclosed that the Borno State Government was responsible for selecting the beneficiary schools, ensuring equitable distribution across the state’s 27 local government areas.

“To ensure transparency and inclusiveness, the state government selected the schools based on clear criteria, including equitable geographic spread,” he said.

He urged both teachers and students to treat the tablets not just as devices, but as catalysts for digital exploration and academic advancement.

“I call on our young people to take advantage of these tools to pursue their dreams and unlock the vast opportunities the digital world offers,” he added.

Receiving the devices on behalf of the state, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, commended MTN for its support, noting that the gesture aligns with Borno’s 10-year strategic education plan, which prioritises computer literacy and digital inclusion.

“His Excellency’s 10-year strategy includes computer literacy as a major pillar — a clear indication of his administration’s commitment to preparing students to compete in a technology-driven global economy,” Wakilbe said. “This donation will significantly support our efforts.”

Commitment to Inclusive Learning

The donation forms part of MTN Nigeria’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. The company has previously supported similar educational interventions across other states, including Anambra and Kano.

The initiative also echoes President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises technology, education, and youth empowerment as key drivers of national development.

As Nigeria pushes toward its National Broadband Plan 2020–2025 targets and seeks to deepen digital literacy at all levels, private-sector interventions like MTN’s tablet distribution are increasingly seen as vital to supporting inclusive, 21st-century education across the country.