When Solicity Amankwa-Taylor began her studies in Environmental and Safety Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), she knew that completing her degree would require hard work and sacrifice. What she did not anticipate was how quickly her family’s financial circumstances would change.
Her father had lost his job, her elder brother was also pursuing tertiary education, and her mother’s business had become the family’s main source of income. Meeting the cost of tuition, accommodation and other university expenses for two children became increasingly difficult, leaving Solicity with the prospect of deferring her studies.
The turning point came when she was selected for the MTN Bright Scholarship. The support eased the financial burden on her family and gave her the opportunity to concentrate on her education. She went on to earn three academic awards and has since begun her professional journey in the health, safety and environment sector.
As MTN Ghana celebrates 30 years of operations in the country, Solicity’s experience is one of the beneficiary stories highlighting the impact of the MTN Bright Scholarship and the opportunities it creates for students facing financial challenges.
When Stability Disappears Overnight
Solicity’s university journey began on relatively stable ground. Although her family was not wealthy, they managed to meet their financial commitments until her father lost his job.
With her elder brother also in university, the responsibility of supporting both children fell largely on her mother’s business. Tuition fees, accommodation and daily upkeep became difficult to manage with the family’s reduced income.
Solicity had to consider finding external financial support or deferring her studies until the family’s situation improved.
“Things became tough financially to the point that I had to either find a means of financial support or defer. When I found out I had been selected as an MTN Bright Scholar, I had hope in achieving my dreams again,” she said.
For Solicity, continuing her education was important, but the financial challenges facing her family meant she could not take completing her degree for granted.
Restoration of Hope – The MTN Bright Scholarship Selection
Being selected for the MTN Bright Scholarship brought relief to Solicity and her parents, who had been concerned about how she would complete her education.
The scholarship provided financial support for tuition and accommodation, helping to ease the pressure on her family and allowing her to focus on her academic work.
With the immediate financial concerns reduced, Solicity could devote more attention to her studies and also support some of her colleagues academically.
“The scholarship helped me channel all my focus on my studies. With a sound mind, I was also able to help some of my colleagues academically,” she said.
For her parents, the support meant their daughter could continue towards graduation despite the challenges that had threatened to interrupt her education.
Three Awards and a Record Worth Noting
Solicity’s academic achievements reflected the dedication she brought to her studies at UMaT. She received three awards in recognition of her performance during her university education.
At the 9th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA), she was named Best Level 200 Female Engineering Student. At graduation, she received the Prof. Newton Attah Amegbey Award for Best Graduating Student in the Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering and the Prof. Douglas Boateng Award for Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Studies.
The three awards marked a significant achievement for a student who had once faced the possibility of deferring her studies because of financial difficulties.
Her experience demonstrates how educational support can help students remain in school, pursue their academic goals and make the most of their abilities.
Putting Knowledge Where It Counts
Solicity is currently undertaking her national service as a Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) personnel at YILPORT-ATSL in Takoradi.
The placement gives her the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained from her Environmental and Safety Engineering programme in an industrial setting, where workplace safety and environmental management are important.
From the uncertainty of whether she could complete university to earning three academic awards and beginning her professional journey, Solicity’s experience reflects the value of supporting students whose ambitions are constrained by financial circumstances.
Her story also forms part of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations under the theme “30 Years of Progress, Power to You”, highlighting how the MTN Bright Scholarship has helped beneficiaries pursue education and prepare for careers in their chosen fields.
Through its investment in education, the MTN Ghana Foundation continues to support young people working towards their academic and professional ambitions.
About the MTN Bright Scholarship
The MTN Bright Scholarship, an initiative of the MTN Ghana Foundation, supports brilliant but financially disadvantaged students in public tertiary institutions. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, stipends for reading materials and a laptop to help beneficiaries pursue their studies.
As MTN Ghana marks three decades of operations, Solicity’s story adds to the accounts of students whose educational journeys have benefited from the programme, illustrating how targeted support can help keep academic ambitions within reach.
