Asantehene announces scholarship package for Ghanaians

Asantehene announces scholarship package for Ghanaians
Ghanaian students have been given the opportunity to study at the prestigious University of Memphis, Tennessee, thanks to the efforts of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Under the scholarship deal, qualified Ghanaian students can pursue their undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees at the university.

Up to 70% of the scholarship is reserved for students studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses.

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and the University of Memphis authorities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect, outlining the modalities for implementing the scholarship.

The Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, said that the Asantehene, during his visit to the Memphis in May Festival last year, requested scholarships for Ghanaian students.

While the initial target was students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Asantehene later called for its expansion to cover more Ghanaian students.

According to Dr Agyemang, the scholarship is a blessing for Ghanaian students as Memphis is home to some of the world’s leading companies, such as Fed Ex, Autozone, and International Paper.

Dr Agyemang said that discussions between these companies and the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat have started, indicating that the internship programmes offered by these companies will help Ghanaian students in their academic pursuit.

He said this move was part of the country’s drive to create innovative, knowledgeable, and experienced human resources that would accelerate the industrialisation agenda and position the nation for accelerated development.

He also commended the Asantehene for his leadership and interest in education.

Dr Agyemang revealed that the opportunity would soon be advertised for prospective students to apply, and those selected would commence their studies at the University of Memphis from September 2023.

The Ghanaian delegation, led by Dr Agyemang, toured the university after the MoU to inspect lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels, and other facilities.

The University of Memphis was represented by the Interim Provost, Dr Abby L. Parril; the Executive Vice -President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer, Raaj Kurapati; the Vice Provost, and International Affairs, Dr Balaji Krishnan, and the Executive Director, Centre for International Education Services, Rebecca Laumann.