By Khalid Idris Doya In a bold stride toward fostering a a digitally empowered Bauchi State, the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has...
By Khalid Idris Doya
In a bold stride toward fostering a a digitally empowered Bauchi State, the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has graduated 20 fellows from the 2024 Bala Wunti Tech Fellowship as part of Foundation’s long-term commitment to reducing youth unemployment through technology talent development.
The 2024 cohort, trained in partnership with AltSchool Africa, completed an intensive training in Front End Engineering, Back End Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Product Design, Product Management, Product Marketing, Data Science, Data Engineering and Data Analytics. Their journey was marked by resilience, innovation, and transformation growth.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony and the onboarding of the 2025 cohort for 30 new fellows, held on Sunday at Yimir Hotel Bauchi, Mr. Ango Mustapha, Director of Programs at the Foundation, described the Fellowship as more than just training program.
"It is a movement to unlock potential and harness local talent for global relevance," Ango said.
He explained that the Bala Wunti Tech Fellowship (BWTF), Founded by Dr. Bala Wunti is the foundation's flagship initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide in Northern Nigeria by equipping young talents with high-demand technology, business, and employability skills.
“We are building a future where Bauchi becomes a hub of innovation, where our youths are not just job seekers but creators of solutions,” he added.
Ango noted that the awards "not only celebrate achievement but symbolise the vast potential within Bauchi's youth when given the right tools and support."
In a virtual keynote address, Ibrahim Joseph, a U.S-based software developer originally from Bauchis, shared his inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings to a successful tech career abroad. “Global Talent, Local Root," he emphasised nurturing world-class talent while staying rooted in community and culture.
Dr. Aishatu Kabir, one of the event's special guests, praised the initiative, saying that "By investing in human capital development through technology, we are investing in Bauchi’s future. This program is a model of how strategic, people-centered initiatives can fuel inclusive growth."
The guest further said "Wunti’s vision is not just to build a foundation, but to build a future where no youth is left behind. This Fellowship is a bridge from talent to opportunity, from Bauchi to the world."
The awards ceremony recognised exceptional fellows in categories such as Tech Excellence, Entrepreneurial Excellence, Leadership, Best Capstone Project, Growth Award, Fellow of the Year.
A Posthumous Community Impact Award was given to Maimuna Nasir, a dedicated fellow whose life was tragically cut short during the course of the fellowship.
Maimuna played a pivotal role in initiating the EmpowerHer Program, a fellowship focused on increasing digital literacy and economic inclusion for women and girls across underserved communities in Bauchi. Her legacy remains cornerstone of the fellowship’s mission of inclusive empowerment.
A new cycle of transformation began as 30 new fellows were officially welcomed into the 2025 cohort, ushering in fresh hope and possibilities.
The event also featured a Job Readiness Session led by HR expert Motunrayo Alake, aimed at preparing fellows to navigate professional environments with confidence and competence.
The Wunti Al-Khair Foundation called on government agencies, private sector actors, and global partners to join the movement in scaling this transformative initiative and creating lasting change across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the close of the event, Foundation executives and invited guests reaffirmed their support for youth-led development and digital empowerment.
"The Bala Wunti Tech Fellowship has become a beacon of hope across Bauchi, equipping young people to start businesses, gain employment, and drive innovation," Ango said.
Ango assured that the Bala Wunti Tech Fellowship continues to stand as a beacon of what is possible when innovation meets investment in people.
One of the top honorees, Muhammad Ibrahim Umar, received the Best Fellow of the Year Award, a fully-funded Master’s scholarship, and a job offer from the Foundation.
He thanked Dr. Bala Wunti for his unwavering support toward youth empowerment, community development, and tech advancement in the region.
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