The MTN Ghana Foundation has launched the ‘MTN Bright Scholarship Reloaded’ to support the second batch of 300 brilliant but needy Ghanaian students in the next three years to complete their tertiary education.
The CEO for MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh, said the MTN Bright Scholarship is an initiative that is very dear to the heart of the company because it has proven to have the potential to shape the future and destiny of young people and to be the key to economic prospects as a country.
Although the scholarship is open to all public tertiary students, Mr. Adadevoh said special attention will be given to students pursuing courses like Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Data Analytics, and Robotics.
Vocational skills and technical training (both pre-tertiary and tertiary education institution), physically challenged persons interested in pursuing ICT and Computer Science courses and students who have schooled and lived in the newly created regions – Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah, North East, Western North and Oti Regions – will also receive special attention.
Mr. Adadevoh stated that giving priority to these areas will go a long way in driving the progress of the nation and enhance the skills-set of the students for the future, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic has thought many the need to be adequately equipped with the relevant ICT knowledge, skills and tools.
Commenting on the programme and the beneficiaries’ academic performance since its inception, he said: “The response to the scheme has been overwhelming. We have received between 12,000 to 15,000 applications. Of the 300 bright scholars to date, over 119 beneficiaries have graduated. Out of this number, 82 graduated with first class degrees (70 percent), with 24 receiving special awards including valedictorians (20 percent).”
He pledged that the company will continue to support the youth by providing opportunities that will enable them to realise their goals and dreams.
The Deputy Minister for Education, John Ntim Fordjour, who graced the occasion, in his remarks, stated that tertiary education is vital for the development of human capital, innovation, competitiveness, fostering growth, reducing poverty, and boosting shared prosperity in every economy.
According to him, effective tertiary education systems ensure that countries have well-trained doctors, nurses, teachers, managers, engineers, technicians and a generally productive work force within the public and private sector.
He commended MTN Ghana for their consistent efforts in supporting government’s flagship projects that promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGS).
“This is extremely laudable, and we are appreciative of your commitment and steps to also support government’s Ghana CARES initiative to revamp the economy in COVID-19 pandemic era,” he noted.
He stated that government will also, on its part, provide the enabling and required frameworks to ensure the education system is constantly relevant in preparing the youth for the better Ghana everyone has envisaged.
Some of the beneficiaries present at the launch expressed their sincere gratitude to the company and promised to continue to make MTN proud at every point of their life.
