MTN Ghana has once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing education, equity, and national development through its flagship Bright Scholarship Awards, which this year has empowered 187 female and 313 male beneficiaries across the country. The prestigious scholarship scheme continues to be one of Ghana’s most transformative educational initiatives, offering full financial support to exceptional students and teachers from diverse backgrounds.
The 2025/2026 edition of the Bright Scholarship Awards was held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Faculty of Law Auditorium, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. The ceremony celebrated academic excellence while underscoring MTN’s vision of empowering young Ghanaians, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that no talented student is left behind due to financial challenges.
Since its relaunch in 2018, the Bright Scholarship initiative has supported 720 students nationwide, covering tuition, accommodation, and providing stipends for books and living expenses. The impact has been remarkable, with the program producing 10 valedictorians and best graduating students, 520 graduates with First Class Honours, and 94 who completed their degrees with Second Class Upper Division. These achievements reflect MTN Ghana’s belief in the transformative power of education as a tool to bridge socio-economic gaps and drive national growth.
Delivering a speech on behalf of MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, the General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, Dr. Isaac Mate, described the scholarship as a beacon of opportunity for ambitious students nationwide. He emphasized MTN’s commitment to scaling the program to cover 1,500 beneficiaries over the next three years, with a renewed focus on students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (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,” Dr. Mate said. “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.”
The 2025 edition of the Bright Scholarship received 3,691 applications from across Ghana. Following a rigorous vetting process, 1,200 candidates were shortlisted for interviews, culminating in the selection of 500 awardees. Of this number, 300 are undergraduate students enrolled in STEM and technical disciplines, while 200 are teachers furthering their education at public universities. The program also continues to prioritize inclusivity, with 33 differently abled students among this year’s recipients.
The awards ceremony was graced by dignitaries, education stakeholders, and traditional leaders, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene. He praised MTN Ghana for its leadership in addressing inequality in education and called the Bright Scholarship 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.
The ceremony featured emotional testimonies from scholarship recipients who shared how the initiative had lifted heavy financial burdens, allowing them to focus fully on their academic pursuits. Many expressed heartfelt gratitude to MTN Ghana for providing a lifeline and opening doors that once seemed closed.
Since its inception, the MTN Bright Scholarship Awards have grown beyond a financial aid program into a movement of empowerment, diversity, and opportunity. With its gender-inclusive approach and continued expansion, the initiative stands as a testament to MTN Ghana’s mission of driving sustainable change and shaping the future of education in the country.
As this year’s 500 beneficiaries embark on their academic journeys, the Bright Scholarship remains a symbol of hope for students nationwide, reaffirming MTN Ghana’s belief that investing in education is key to building a brighter and more prosperous Ghana for all.
