MTN CEO Karl Toriola leads $50-million initiative to revolutionize education with tech-driven solutions

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • MTN, led by Karl Toriola, launched a $50-million initiative to transform education through tech-driven solutions.
  • The MTN Foundation commissioned seven new laboratories at Government Day Science Secondary School Gombe.
  • MTN has invested more than N2 billion ($1.2 million) in renovating science laboratories in 32 secondary schools across 15 states.

MTN Nigeria, under the leadership of CEO Karl Toriola, has launched a groundbreaking $50-million initiative aimed at revolutionizing education in Nigeria through tech-driven solutions. This ambitious project is part of MTN’s broader mission to empower the next generation by improving access to quality education in science and technology.

One of the key components of this initiative is the MTN Foundation Science & Technology Laboratory Project, which plays a pivotal role in transforming the educational landscape. On Tuesday, the foundation commissioned seven new science laboratories at the Government Day Science Secondary School (GDSSS) in Gombe. These labs are designed to boost technological advancement and improve science education for students in the region.

The newly unveiled facilities include two Chemistry laboratories, two Biology laboratories, two Physics laboratories, and one Agricultural Science laboratory, offering state-of-the-art learning environments for students. This investment underscores MTN’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and fostering innovation among Nigerian youth.

Strengthening science education in Gombe: A catalyst for development

During the commissioning ceremony, GDSSS Principal Abdulhakim Mudansir expressed his deep gratitude to MTN for prioritizing the education of students in Gombe. He emphasized the transformative potential of the new laboratories for both the school and the wider community. "This laboratory will serve as the much-needed catalyst for development. We want to thank MTN for investing in the future of young minds," Mudansir remarked.

The positive impact of the project was also acknowledged by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Abdullahi Bappa. The governor praised the MTN Foundation for choosing GDSSS, one of the state's top schools, and highlighted the laboratories' importance in promoting scientific development within the state.

"We thank MTN Nigeria for selecting Government Day Science Secondary School. This is one of our best schools, and we believe that this partnership will help to promote science development in the state, aligning with our administration’s commitment to revamping education," Yahaya stated.

Additionally, Governor Yahaya assured the foundation of the state’s commitment to safeguarding the donated equipment from vandalism, ensuring the resources remain intact for future generations. Commissioner for Education, Dr. Aishatu Maigari, also expressed her appreciation, noting that the laboratories will help shape the minds of future professionals, including doctors, engineers, and pharmacists. "This laboratory will go a long way in shaping the minds of future doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and others," Maigari emphasized.

MTN’s ongoing commitment to educational innovation

MTN Foundation’s Senior Manager, Hamza Ibrahim, provided further insight into the Science & Technology Laboratory Project’s broader scope. He explained that the initiative goes beyond just renovating laboratories, incorporating teacher and laboratory attendant training to enhance both teaching and learning experiences in key science subjects. Now in its third phase, the project continues to support public secondary schools across Nigeria by providing modern facilities designed to strengthen STEM education.

"In Phase Three of the project, we have renovated laboratories in six schools, covering 28 labs across six states between 2023 and 2024. These labs—spanning Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Agricultural Science—have been fully upgraded to improve students' learning experiences," Ibrahim noted. He also highlighted that previous phases of the project focused on upgrading labs for core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, while the inclusion of Agricultural Science in Phase Three reflects MTN’s comprehensive approach to STEM education.

MTN’s commitment to educational advancement is reflected in its investment of over N2 billion ($1.2 million) over the past three years, used to renovate 102 science laboratories across 32 secondary schools in 15 states. Ibrahim emphasized that this initiative aligns with MTN Nigeria’s broader goal of empowering the youth and promoting academic excellence. "Through this, we encourage students to envision the future they desire and provide them with the opportunity to actualize their dreams," he added.

Led by Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria’s $50-million education push is setting a new standard for corporate social responsibility in the country. The initiative is fostering partnerships that not only benefit students but also contribute to the overall development of Nigeria’s educational infrastructure. By prioritizing technological advancements and innovative solutions in education, MTN is helping shape the future of Nigeria’s youth, one science laboratory at a time.