MTN Ghana Foundation has awarded the second batch of 500 Bright Scholarships to 300 academically talented university students and 200 teachers pursuing further studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), vocational and technical education.
The latest awards follow a similar batch of 500 scholarships presented last year, bringing the total number awarded across the two years to 1,000.
The student beneficiaries will receive support covering tuition, accommodation, a laptop and a stipend.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, urged them to apply their knowledge to solve problems and create opportunities for others.
“Your talent belongs to you, scholars. That’s what got you here. So will the achievements that you will accomplish,” he said. “Apply your knowledge to solving problems and helping others progress whenever you can.”
He encouraged the students to remain focused, uphold integrity and use technology responsibly. He also urged the teacher beneficiaries to apply the knowledge and skills gained through further training to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
The Bright Scholarship Programme supports students in public universities and teachers seeking to upgrade their professional skills. More than 200 past beneficiaries have graduated with first-class honours.
The scholarship jury urged the awardees to avoid social vices and take responsibility for their academic, emotional and social wellbeing.
“Please take care of yourselves holistically, academically, emotionally, socially. Be a complete awardee so that as you do well, we will be happy to celebrate you as well,” the jury said.
Deputy Minister of Education Dr Abas Apaak commended MTN Ghana and its Foundation for complementing government efforts to improve access to quality and inclusive education.
“Every scholarship awarded is not only to support one student. It is an investment in the workforce, the leadership and the development our nation needs for tomorrow,” he said.
For some beneficiaries, the scholarship comes after years of personal and financial challenges.
Freeman Agbejenu, a Computer Science student at Ghana Communications Technology University specialising in cybersecurity, said a serious accident in 2020 had challenged him, but he returned to school determined to build a future for himself and his daughter.
“I didn’t choose this accident, but I have chosen not to give up on my future,” he said.
Salomey Eze, a Level 300 Health Services Administration student at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, said the scholarship arrived at a critical point in her education after she spent nine years saving towards university while working as a private school teacher.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nancy Brew, a Level 200 student at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), thanked MTN Ghana for the support and pledged that the recipients would work hard to justify the investment.
“We assure MTN Ghana that we will do what is expected of us and make the company proud,” she said.
The Bright Scholarship Programme forms part of MTN Ghana’s corporate social responsibility commitments in health, education and economic empowerment.
