The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has secured a package of scholarships for Ghanaian students to attend the esteemed University of Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States of America (USA).
Under the terms of the agreement, qualified Ghanaian students will travel to Memphis University to pursue their bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
Up to 70% of the opportunity is reserved for students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses.
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and the University of Memphis signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect at the university last week, finalizing the agreement that outlines the procedures for the implementation of the scholarship.
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Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, informed the Daily Graphic upon his return from the United States that the Asantehene, as a special guest at the renowned Memphis in May Festival last year, requested scholarships for Ghanaian students.
He stated that although the initial objective was limited to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) students, the Asantehene later requested that the program be expanded to include more Ghanaian students.
"Therefore, the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat and the University of Memphis have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow Ghanaian students to pursue their undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees at the university. I must admit that this agreement is a boon for Ghanaian pupils," he said.
Dr. Agyemang stated that because Memphis was home to some global brands, the secretariat was working out the possibility for Ghanaian students who had the opportunity to study at the university to complete their internships in those industries in an effort to "kill two birds with one stone."
Dr. Agyemang emphasized that Memphis is home to the headquarters of numerous internationally renowned companies, including Fed Ex, Autozone, Sedgwick Jone Incorporated, International Paper, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, First Horizon National Incorporated (NYSE: FHN), and Mueller Industries.
"This implies that the gap between academia and industry will gradually close, as these companies will provide internship opportunities for Ghanaian students. "Discussions have begun between these businesses and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat," he added.
This, he explained, was part of the nation's effort to develop a creative, innovative, knowledgeable, and experienced workforce that would lead the charge in expediting the industrialisation agenda and position the country for accelerated development.
When asked when Ghanaian students would be able to fly to Memphis to begin their studies under this agreement, Dr. Agyemang stated that the opportunity would be advertised to prospective students very soon, and those who were accepted would begin their studies at Memphis University in September 2023.
Dr. Agyemang lauded the Asantehene for brokering such an important agreement for Ghanaian students, particularly those in the STEM fields, adding, "Otumfuo has demonstrated his leadership and his commitment to education. This scholarship is not just for Asanteman, but for all of Ghana."
"We are also grateful to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the former Minister of Education and current Minister of Energy, for his interest in this scholarship and the assistance he provided to make it a success," he said.
The Ghanaian delegation, led by Dr. Agyemang, inspected the university's lecture halls, laboratories, dormitories, and other facilities following the signing of the MOU.
The Ghanaian delegation also included 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.
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; and Rebecca Laumann, Executive Director, Centre for International Education Services.