The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has landed a juicy scholarship deal with the University of Memphis for Ghanaian students. The school is situated at Tennessee in the United States of America.
The deal followed the King’s visit last year as a special guest to the famed Memphis in May Festival, during which talks were initiated with regards to the scholarship.
The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, under the guidance of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, former Education Minister, followed up with the necessary steps, resulting in putting together a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Memphis.
DEAL
The Scholarship package includes 10 free PhDs and a 40 percent discount on fees for undergraduate and Master’s courses.
The deal, according to the Registrar of Scholarships, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, is good for Ghanaian students and commended the Asantehene and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for the roles they played.
“So a Memoranda of Understanding has been signed between the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and the University of Memphis which will allow Ghanaian students to undertake their undergraduate, master’s and PhD at the University. I must say the deal is a very good one for Ghanaian students,” he said.
INDUSTRY
Dr. Agyemang mentioned the fact that the city of Memphis has some of the best globally known companies, which will make it possible for Ghanaian students who get the opportunity to study at the University of Memphis to have their internship there.
“It is important to underscore that the city of Memphis is the headquarters of so many globally acclaimed companies such as Fed Ex, Autozone, Sedgwick Jone Incorporated, International Paper, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, First Horizon National Incorporated (NYSE: FHN) and Mueller Industries,” Dr. Agyemang said.
According to him, the Scholarships Secretariat has begun discussions with these companies to make it possible.
“What this means is that academics and industry will gradually be bridged as these companies will provide essential Internship programmes for Ghanaian students. Discussions between these companies and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat have started,” he added.
GRATEFUL
Dr. Agyemang further commended the Asantehene for brokering such an important deal for Ghanaian students.
“Commendation goes to His Royal Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo, for using his presence to initiate this scholarship. He has shown leadership and demonstrated how he values education. This scholarship is not for just Asanteman but Ghana as a whole.
“I must also say we are grateful to the former Minister of Education, now Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his interest in this scholarship and the necessary inputs he provided us to make it successful,” he said.
SIGNING TEAM
The Ghanaian entourage also included, Richard Gyamfi (Head of International Relations & Partnerships), Janet Koranteng (Head of Treasury, Ghana Embassy, Washington D.C) and Nana Owiredu Wadie (Member, Scholarship Review Committee).
The University of Memphis was represented by Dr. Abby L Parril (Interim Provost), Raaj Kurapati – (Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer), Dr. Balaji Krishnan (Vice Provost) and International Affairs Mrs. Rebecca Laumann, M. Phil., – Executive Director, Center for International Education Services.
