The MTN Ghana Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Ghana, has awarded 200 scholarships to deserving tertiary students across the country.
These scholarships, part of the MTN Bright Scholarship Programme, cover tuition and accommodation and provide a stipend for books and other study materials throughout the beneficiaries’ education. Each recipient also received a brand-new HP laptop to support their academic journey.
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Accra, MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, expressed his confidence that the scholarship would enable the students to easily complete their studies.
“MTN Ghana Foundation is thrilled to award scholarships to 200 young men and women who aspire to change their fortunes through higher education,” Blewett remarked.
He emphasized MTN’s commitment to empowering students from all 16 regions of Ghana.
“This is my first time participating in this programme, and it brings me immense joy,” Blewett added. “Having been with MTN Ghana for just six months, I am proud to witness how this initiative helps students, our special guests, realize their dreams.”
The MTN Bright Scholarship was instituted in 2018 to address financial challenges that prevent many students from completing their studies.
According to the Africa Economic Research Consortium, 20-30% of tertiary students in Ghana either drop out or defer their programmes due to financial difficulties, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Union of Ghana Students reported in 2021 that over 60,000 students were at risk of dropping out due to these challenges.
Blewett acknowledged the critical role education plays in breaking cycles of poverty and promoting national development.
“Education opens doors to opportunities, fosters innovation, and enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. Every additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income by 10%,” he said.
The Bright Scholarship, initially aimed at awarding 100 scholarships annually, has seen an increase in beneficiaries over the years.
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This year, the Foundation awarded 200 scholarships, with 20 of the recipients being differently-abled, reflecting MTN’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“This scholarship programme is not just about financial assistance,” Blewett noted. “We are investing in dreams, potential, and the promise of a better tomorrow. We are excited to see how each recipient will use this opportunity to further their education and contribute positively to society.”
The CEO encouraged the beneficiaries to embrace this opportunity with passion and determination, reminding them that their selection was a testament to their hard work and potential.
“The only difficulty you should face is the challenge of studying. Congratulations to all of you, and may you continue to strive for excellence.”
Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation, highlighted the programme’s objective of providing students with peace of mind by covering their tuition and accommodation costs.
“Our aim is to ensure that these students can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about financial constraints,” Kuzoe said during the scholarship award ceremony in Accra.
He also shed light on the rigorous selection process, explaining that the Foundation received over 2,000 applications.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the Foundation enlisted the help of independent panellists, unaffiliated with MTN Ghana, to assess and screen the applicants.
“The panellists were able to narrow it down to the 200 students who were most deserving and in genuine need of the scholarship,” Kuzoe added.
Since its inception, the MTN Bright Scholarship has awarded 520 students, providing crucial support for bright students from deprived communities and ensuring that they can focus on their education without financial worries.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
