MTN Ghana, through its Foundation, has awarded scholarships to 500 beneficiaries under the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The package, which covers tuition, accommodation, stipends, and laptops, was presented to 300 students pursuing first degrees in STEM and vocational/technical courses, as well as 200 teachers furthering their studies in public universities across the country.
Beneficiaries were selected from over 3,600 applications nationwide, with 1,200 shortlisted for interviews. In all, students from 42 public institutions benefited, including 187 females, 313 males, and 33 differently abled students.
Since its re-launch in 2018, the Bright Scholarship scheme has supported over 720 students, in addition to the 1,000 previously covered by MTN’s earlier initiative.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, described the initiative as an investment in the dreams and potential of young Ghanaians.
“It’s an award that we are immensely proud of, because it reflects our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and driving sustainable national development.
Today is therefore not just about awarding scholarships, it’s about investing in dreams, unlocking potential, and securing the future of Ghana,” he said.
He stressed that education remains central to national transformation, innovation and poverty reduction.
“Without education, economies and countries don’t transform. That is why the MTN Ghana Foundation established the Bright Scholarship — to remove barriers and give brilliant students a fair chance to succeed.” He added.
Highlighting the impact, the CEO noted that 10 beneficiaries have graduated as valedictorians, 520 with first-class honours, and 94 with second-class upper division.
Many alumni are now excelling in fields such as engineering, medicine, teaching, and business.
Encouraged by this progress, the Foundation has announced an ambitious plan to scale up the programme, targeting 1,500 students and teachers each year over the next three years, with a special focus on STEM, vocational, technical education and teacher training.
This year’s awards were highly competitive, with 3,691 applications received. Out of these, 1,200 were shortlisted, and 500 outstanding candidates — drawn from 42 public institutions — were selected. The batch comprises 187 females, 313 males and 33 differently abled students.
He noted that the impact of the scheme is evident, with beneficiaries excelling in medicine, engineering, teaching, business, and other fields.
Some have graduated as valedictorians and first-class scholars.
“Education unlocks opportunities and powers innovation. Without it, economies and countries don’t transform. Yet, for many young people, financial difficulties stand in the way of their dreams.
That is why we established the Bright Scholarship—to remove these barriers and give brilliant students a fair chance to succeed,” he stressed.
The CEO urged recipients to view the award as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“There is a responsibility to show what you can do with what’s been given to you. Your achievements will be proof that if we invest in education, we can transform not only individual lives but entire communities,” he added.
He revealed that the MTN Ghana Foundation plans to scale up the scheme, awarding 1,500 scholarships annually over the next three years—benefiting both students and teachers.
Mr. Blewett encouraged the scholars to dream boldly, study diligently, and give back to society.
“You are not only beneficiaries, you are ambassadors of possibility. The future of Ghana is in your hands. Believe in yourself, excel, and let your light shine bright,” he added
Representing the Minister for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Newman commended MTN Ghana and the MTN Foundation for their consistent investment in education.
He noted that the Bright Scholarship aligns with the government’s vision of expanding access to quality education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as vocational and technical fields.
“The focus on STEM, vocational and technical education, and teacher development reflects Ghana’s national target of achieving a stronger, innovation-driven economy. This partnership contributes significantly to human capital development,” he said.
Dr. Newman also called on MTN to expand the reach of the scholarship to cover more regions, ensuring equitable access across the country.
“We encourage the MTN Ghana Foundation to increase the number of beneficiaries, ensuring that every region benefits from this life-changing initiative.
Education is not only a personal gain but a national investment,” he added.
A beneficiary of the scholarship, Eugenia Mamele Appiah, expressed her gratitude to MTN Ghana for believing in her and granting her the opportunity.
She noted that the scholarship would ease the rest of her academic journey and help her achieve her dreams.
“I have been chasing this scholarship since my first year, but it didn’t go through. I am grateful that on my third attempt, I finally made it,” she said.
