IHS Towers, one of the world’s largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure, has made significant strides in the communications infrastructure industry. With a strong presence in Nigeria and a footprint across three continents and ten countries, the company is a global giant listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It is the third-largest independent multinational tower company by tower count and leads in seven of its operating markets.
Driven by a vision of fostering better connections and opportunities, IHS Towers is committed to supporting education for the less privileged through its sustainability programs. Understanding that knowledge drives progress and economic growth, the company has launched various initiatives to uplift communities.
One such initiative is the Frontline Workers Initiative (FLWi), launched in September 2021. This philanthropic program aims to improve the lives of frontline workers by covering the cost of their children’s university education. This initiative not only recognizes the significant contributions of frontline workers but also seeks to address socio-economic and educational inequalities.
“We live in a world where technology and connectivity are the backbone of global progress, but the unsung heroes who keep our networks running can go unnoticed. These frontline workers are critical to companies like IHS Towers,” said Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria. “We are proud to support their children through the Frontline Workers Initiative.”
The FLWi funds educational opportunities for the most academically promising children of IHS frontline workers at leading colleges and universities in and outside of Nigeria. This initiative provides a pathway for beneficiaries to fulfill their academic potential and transcend their current social status.
Eligibility for the FLWi is open to full-time employees and key suppliers of IHS Towers in select operational countries, specifically those in lower pay grades, including field engineers, technicians, drivers, security personnel, and office support staff.
Since its inception, the FLWi has awarded over 50 scholarships, with beneficiaries attending universities in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, and internationally in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. As of December 2023, 58% of these students were studying STEM subjects.
Beneficiaries have expressed profound gratitude for the initiative. Agatha from Enugu State, studying Medical Laboratory Science at Igbinedion University in Nigeria, said, “I am glad IHS has enabled me to study a course that will help me add value to my life and the communities around me.” Najib, a Computer Science student at Skyline University in Kano, Nigeria, shared, “I am happy that IHS is sponsoring me to study this course.”
The initiative’s impact extends beyond current employees. Once accepted into the program, beneficiaries continue to receive funding for their education even if their parent ceases to be an IHS Towers employee. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication to education and social upliftment.
IHS Towers’ commitment to education is not limited to the FLWi. The company has a history of supporting educational initiatives and works with various national and international NGOs, including UNICEF and Save the Children. These efforts have supported the education of approximately 24,000 girls in Borno and Yobe states in Nigeria. Additionally, IHS Towers is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to establish the 3MTT Learning Community, a nationwide initiative designed to empower Nigerians with critical digital skills.
The Frontline Workers Initiative is more than just a scholarship program; it is a lifeline offering hope and opportunities previously unimaginable. By investing in the education of frontline workers’ children, IHS Towers acknowledges their contributions and paves the way for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. In a world where economic disparities continue to grow, initiatives like FLWi highlight the significant role corporations can play in bridging these gaps.
