By Khalid Idris Doya
In a bid to foster a digitally empowered Bauchi State, the Wunti Al-Khair Foundation has graduated 20 fellows from the 2024 Bala Wunti Tech Fellowship, a flagship initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment through technology talent development. The ceremony, held on Sunday at Yimir Hotel Bauchi, also marked the onboarding of 30 new fellows into the 2025 cohort.
The 2024 cohort, trained in partnership with AltSchool Africa, completed an intensive training program in various tech fields, including Front End Engineering, Back End Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Product Design, Product Management, Product Marketing, Data Science, Data Engineering, and Data Analytics. According to Mr. Ango Mustapha, Director of Programs at the Foundation, the Fellowship is more than just a training program; "it is a movement to unlock potential and harness local talent for global relevance."
Ango explained that the Bala Wunti Tech Fellowship, founded by Dr. Bala Wunti, aims to bridge 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.
In a virtual keynote address, Ibrahim Joseph, a U.S-based software developer originally from Bauchi, shared his inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings to a successful tech career abroad. "Global Talent, Local Root," he emphasized, "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, "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." She further stated, "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 recognized exceptional fellows in various categories, including Tech Excellence, Entrepreneurial Excellence, Leadership, Best Capstone Project, Growth Award, and 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.
As the new cycle of transformation began, 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.
Muhammad Ibrahim Umar, one of the top honorees, 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.
Tags
Empowerment