Private legal practitioner and philanthropist Lawyer Sylvester Isang has revealed that he is currently sponsoring the university education of 11 students from the Nandom area, describing the initiative as part of a long-term vision to build a new generation of professionals committed to transforming their communities.
The Master of Chambers at Isang@Law Chambers, a leading law firm in Tamale, said the beneficiaries, who are studying law, medicine and engineering, were selected to help address the developmental needs of Nandom and inspire a culture of giving back.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Lawyer Isang said the scholarship programme goes beyond paying tuition fees and is intended to create a sustainable network of professionals who will support one another while serving society.
“Officially, I have about 11 scholarship awardees whose tuition fees I have committed myself to paying until they complete their programmes,” he said.
He explained that while law students currently constitute the majority of beneficiaries, others are pursuing medical sciences and engineering, with two expected to begin the professional law programme in the coming academic year.
According to him, the focus on these disciplines is deliberate.
“We need engineers to design and build our roads and other infrastructure. We need lawyers to provide legal support, and we need doctors to take care of the health needs of our people. These professions complement one another,” he said.
Lawyer Isang disclosed that his long-term ambition is to expand the programme to cover every academic discipline as resources become available.
He also hopes to establish a system where beneficiaries will, in turn, create opportunities for others.
“My vision is to build a network of professionals who will continue supporting one another and giving back to society. Every beneficiary should become a blessing to another person,” he said.
He envisages a future where beneficiaries establish businesses and institutions capable of employing fellow graduates.
“If a medical doctor completes school and is committed to serving the community, I would want to help establish a private clinic where that doctor can work. As more beneficiaries graduate, they can join and expand those services,” he explained.
Lawyer Isang said the scholarship scheme would become even more comprehensive should he ever assume public office.
He said an independent committee would be established to assess applicants based on genuine financial need, ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are prioritised.
“There are students whose parents can afford university education. They should not take opportunities away from children who have lost parents or come from extremely poor homes,” he said.
He cited one of his earliest scholarship beneficiaries, who lost his father and whose mother could not finance his education despite his outstanding academic performance.
The student, he said, obtained aggregate 8 at Nandom Senior High School and is currently pursuing a degree programme at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS).
“If not for this intervention, he might never have entered university. That is why I believe these scholarships are so important,” Lawyer Isang added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
