The second edition of the Celtiis School Awards took place on September 25, 2026, in Cotonou, Benin. The event, organized by national mobile operator Celtiis, recognized and rewarded the top 12 Baccalaureate students in Benin. This year's ceremony celebrated students of all sexes and fields, differing from last year's focus on female excellence. The initiative aims to promote academic excellence and support Benin's development.
The Celtiis School Awards is part of Celtiis' Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, which seeks to invest in human capital. The program's primary goal is to identify and highlight the best Baccalaureate students in Benin, provide them with tools and mentorship, and support their future endeavors. Charbelle Miassi Tikry, Head of CSR/DTDpi at Celtiis Benin, emphasized that the awards are not just a simple prize-giving ceremony but a long-term commitment to Benin's youth.
This year's cohort consists of 12 young talents, with an equal split of 6 young girls and 6 young boys. Before the ceremony, the students experienced a 72-hour professional immersion at Celtiis' headquarters, where they discovered the company's inner workings, visited departments, and participated in computer and AI workshops. Joséphine Latamé, a representative of the recipients, expressed gratitude for the experience, saying it was a life-changing opportunity.
The awarded students received cutting-edge technological equipment, including laptops and internet connectivity, to support their university journey. The best student from Benin also received a special excellence scholarship of 500,000 FCFA. Bocar Kelly, representing Celtiis' Director-General, explained that the goal was to provide concrete tools for the students' future success.
The parents of the laureates expressed their appreciation for Celtiis' initiative, thanking the company for hosting their children and providing them with practical sessions and guidance. Anatole Houehounha, spokesperson for the parents, praised Celtiis for demonstrating that hard work is rewarded and for accompanying Benin's youth.
Celtiis emphasized that the Celtiis School Awards will not be a one-time event but a long-term commitment to Benin's youth. The company aims to make excellence a collective driving force. The awards have become more than just a ceremony; they represent a sustained effort to support and accompany Benin's young talents.
The event demonstrates Celtiis' dedication to promoting academic excellence and investing in Benin's future. By providing resources and support to the country's top students, Celtiis aims to contribute to Benin's development and sovereignty. The company's efforts have been recognized and appreciated by the students, their parents, and the broader community.
Key points
- Celtiis awards 12 top Benin Baccalaureate students with technology and scholarships
- The Celtiis School Awards aim to promote academic excellence and support Benin's development
- The program is a long-term commitment to Benin's youth, providing resources and mentorship
