Tears of joy and heartfelt gratitude filled the Law Faculty of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Monday September 8, 2025, as 500 students and teachers from across Ghana received life-changing support through the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme.
This year’s beneficiaries include 187 female and 313 male students, with many of them visibly emotional as they recounted the struggles of pursuing education while battling financial constraints. The package covers tuition, accommodation, stipends for books and living expenses, easing a burden that for some had seemed unbearable.
Among the awardees are 300 undergraduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and technical disciplines, 200 teachers furthering their studies at public universities, and 33 differently abled students whose inclusion drew warm applause from the audience.
The 2025 scholarship attracted 3,691 applications nationwide. After a rigorous process, 1,200 were shortlisted for interviews before the final 500 were selected. For the recipients, being chosen meant more than financial relief. It meant renewed hope and validation of their dreams.
Since its relaunch in 2018, the Bright Scholarship Scheme has supported 720 students nationwide. Its track record is remarkable, having produced 10 valedictorians, 520 First Class graduates, and 94 students with Second Class Upper honours.
Speaking on behalf of MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett, the General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, Dr. Isaac Mate, captured the spirit of the moment. “This achievement demonstrates that when students are supported with the right resources, they can thrive academically and make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.
Dr. Mate described the scholarship as a beacon of opportunity for ambitious students. He disclosed that MTN Ghana plans to expand the program to cover 1,500 beneficiaries within the next three years, with a stronger focus on STEM, vocational and technical education, and advanced training for teachers.
“This year’s gender balance reflects MTN’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities. We are particularly proud to see 187 female students among the beneficiaries, many of whom are pursuing careers in STEM, proving that given equal access, every student has the potential to excel,” he added.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who joined dignitaries, traditional leaders and education stakeholders at the ceremony, praised MTN Ghana for tackling inequality in education. “This scholarship is not just giving hope; it is correcting systemic imbalances and ensuring that all students, regardless of gender or background, have a fair chance to succeed,” he said.
He further observed “The deliberate attempt to improve education in STEM is laudable. This shows how the private sector can align with the government to provide equal access to education to all Ghanaian children.”
Turning to the beneficiaries, he gave a heartfelt charge.
“To beneficiaries, use the support as a point of reference to encourage other sector players to expand the private-public sector support for national development. I believe you are aware your duty now is to excel and live up to the expectation that has been handed to you,” he added.
For many students, the ceremony was a turning point. One by one, they shared emotional testimonies about how the scholarship had lifted heavy financial burdens and allowed them to focus fully on their studies. Their stories reflected the broader impact of a program that has grown beyond financial aid into a movement of empowerment, diversity and opportunity.
As the beneficiaries left the Law Faculty that day, they carried more than certificates of scholarship. They carried a renewed sense of possibility. The Bright Scholarship continues to stand as a testament to MTN Ghana’s mission of driving sustainable change and shaping the future of education in the country.
Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/JosephZiem
