MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to education with the award of 500 scholarships under its MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The ceremony was held on Monday September 8, 2025 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.
This year, 187 female and 313 male beneficiaries received full financial support. The package covers tuition, accommodation, stipends for books and living expenses. Out of the total, 300 are undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and technical disciplines, while 200 are teachers pursuing further studies in public universities. The program also catered for 33 differently abled students.
The 2025 edition of the scholarship attracted 3,691 applications nationwide. Following a rigorous selection process, 1,200 candidates were shortlisted for interviews, leading to the final 500 awardees.
Since its relaunch in 2018, the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme has supported 720 students across Ghana. Its impact has been evident, producing 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, said “This achievement demonstrates that when students are supported with the right resources, they can thrive academically and make meaningful contributions to society.”
Dr. Mate described the scholarship as a beacon of opportunity for ambitious students. He revealed that MTN Ghana plans to scale the program to cover 1,500 beneficiaries in the next three years with a stronger focus on STEM, vocational and technical programs, as well as teachers seeking advanced training.
“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 said.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commended MTN Ghana for its leadership in addressing inequality in education. He described the Bright Scholarship as a model initiative for private sector driven development.
“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 noted, “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.”
Dr. Amoakohene also urged the awardees to make good use of the opportunity. “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.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, education stakeholders and government officials. Several beneficiaries shared testimonies about how the scholarship had lifted financial burdens and enabled them to focus fully on their academic goals.
Since its inception, the Bright Scholarship Scheme has evolved into more than financial support. It has become a movement of empowerment, diversity and opportunity. With its continued expansion and gender inclusive approach, the initiative reflects MTN Ghana’s mission to drive sustainable change and shape the future of education in the country.
Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/JosephZiem
