Telecommunication giant, MTN Ghana, through its foundation has awarded 200 deserving and talented students, including individuals with disabilities enrolled in public tertiary institutions across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The scholarship dubbed “MTN Bright Scholarship” will cover tuition fees, accommodation, a stipend, and the provision of laptops to facilitate their studies. Since its inception, a total of 520 students have benefited from this initiative.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the progress of past scholarship recipients, many of whom are now employed at senior levels within the company. He said the scheme creates opportunities that enable these students to realize their dreams.
Blewett emphasized the foundation’s commitment to education as a strategic approach to reducing poverty and fostering national development. He referenced research, indicating that each additional year of schooling can increase an individual’s income by 10%, contributing to lifting communities out of poverty.
He noted that in 2019, a study by the Africa Economic Research Consortium estimated that 20% to 30% of tertiary students in Ghana either dropped out or deferred their studies due to financial constraints. In 2021, the National Union of Ghana Students reported that over 60,000 students were at risk of dropping out, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the addition of PWDs reinforces MTN’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “This is a testament to our dedication to creating equal opportunities for all, and aligns with our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals,” he explained.
Blewett while recognising the scholarship recipients for their hard work and perseverance, also urged them to remain focused on their studies.
He reiterated that MTN Ghana’s commitment to education not only empowers individuals but also drives long-term national development by ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic achievement.
