(4th right) Dr Kingsley Agyemang in a group picture with some officers of the University of Memphis, Tennessee, US, after the MoU signing
The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, through the efforts of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has secured a scholarship package for Ghanaian students with the University of Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States of America.
The deal, according to the Registrar of Scholarships, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, who spoke to this reporter, followed an invitation extended to the Asantehene last year as a special guest to the famed Memphis in May Festival. The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat subsequently, under the guidance of Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, former Education Minister, took the necessary steps by securing an MoU with the university.
“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, masters, and PhD at the university. I must say the deal is a very good one for Ghanaian students,” he said.
The scholarship package includes 10 free PhDs and a 40 percent discount on fees for undergraduate and masters’ courses.
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 disclosed.
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 to Otumfuo, Napo
Dr. Agyemang 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.
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 of 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.
About The Author
