Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has arranged a package of scholarships for Ghanaian students to attend the esteemed University of Memphis in Tennessee, in the United States of America (USA).
Qualified Ghanaian students will go to Memphis University to pursue their undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees under the terms of the agreement.
The chance is only available to students who plan to enroll in STEM courses to an extent of up to 70%.
Last week at the university, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and the administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining the terms and conditions for the execution of the scholarship.
In the Daily Graphic Special Briefing, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, revealed that the Asantehene requested scholarships for Ghanaian students last year when attending the renowned Memphis in May Festival as a distinguished guest.
Although the Asantehene later urged for its extension to encompass more Ghanaian students, he indicated the initial objective was for just students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
In order to allow Ghanaian students to pursue their undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees at the institution, a memorandum of agreement has been struck between the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and the University of Memphis. "I have to admit that this agreement is a godsend for students in Ghana," he remarked.
Dr. Agyemang claimed that because Memphis is home to several well-known international brands, the secretariat is exploring the possibility of allowing Ghanaian students who are accepted to the university to complete their internships in those fields there in an effort to "kill two birds with one stone."
In particular, Dr. Agyemang emphasized that Fed Ex, AutoZone, Sedgwick Jone Incorporated, International Paper, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, First Horizon National Incorporated (NYSE: FHN), and Mueller Industries all have their corporate headquarters in Memphis.
"This implies that as these businesses offer crucial internship programs for Ghanaian students, the gap between academia and business will steadily close. Talks between these businesses and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat have begun, he continued.
He said that this was part of the country's effort to produce the kind of inventive, competent, experienced, and creative human resources that would spearhead the drive to speed up the industrialization program and prepare the country for rapid development.
When asked when Ghanaian students would be able to use this agreement to fly to Memphis to begin their studies, Dr. Agyemang responded that the opportunity would be advertised very soon for prospective students to apply, and those who made it would start their studies at Memphis University in September 2023.
Dr. Agyemang praised the Asantehene for negotiating such a significant agreement for Ghanaian students, especially those interested in STEM, and said that "Otumfuo has shown leadership and demonstrated how he can lead from the front."
He said, "I must also state that we are thankful to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the former Minister of Education and current Minister of Energy, for his interest in this scholarship and the essential assistance he gave us to make it effective."
The Ghanaian group, led by Dr. Agyemang, visited the institution after the MoU was signed to assess the lecture halls, labs, dormitories, and other facilities.
Richard Gyamfi, the Head of International Relations and Partnerships; Janet Koranteng, the Head of Treasury at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C.; and Nana Owiredu Wadie, a member of the Scholarship Review Committee, were also among the Ghanaian entourage.
Dr. Abby L. Parril, interim provost; Raaj Kurapati, executive vice president and chief operating and financial officer; and Vice Provost and International Affairs were present on behalf of the University of Memphis.
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