By:Isaac Amoah
The 2026/2027 version of MTN Ghana Foundation Annual Bright Scholarship awards initiative is intended to make massive impact in the educational space for brilliant but needy tertiary students in the country.
On Wednesday, 28th October 2026, Gilbert Nyaaba Agongo
, a level 400 medical student of the University of Development Studies (UDS) in the Bongo District of the
Upper East Region, shared his emotional story on how he had to sell kebab to make earns meet due to financial distress. And, miraculously, the full scholarship awarded to him, among 500 awardees this year, is a game-changer with regard to his medical studies dream.
In an exclusive interview after receiving his scholarship package, Agongo recounted that he completed school about 10 years ago, and it had been his dream to become a medical doctor.
Gilbert Nyaaba Agongo in interview
He said, “In the community where I come from, there are no adequate healthcare centres, and there are some kinds of traditions and beliefs that affect the health of the people; hence, I’ve decided to become a medical doctor one day, so that I can go back to that community and contribute to its development. But I’ve faced financial difficulties, so it hasn’t been easy for me.”
He continued, “I completed senior high school 10 years ago, but I’ve never given up. I continued to work and had an opportunity to go to UDS in 2023. When I entered school, I realised that things were very difficult for me. I didn’t have any means to support myself. So I spoke to a man who prepared kebab over there and he agreed to work with me. I was combining that work with my studies.”
He admitted that it was not easy for him, but he had to sacrifice to achieve his dream. He revealed that when he was struggling financially, one of the beneficiaries of the MTN Scholarship advised him to apply for the scholarship, and he heeded his advice.
“Luckily, I was selected for an interview. I met with the panel and narrated my story to them. Then, a few weeks later, my expectation was met. I was very happy because it was going to be a game-changer in my life,” he narrated.
He disclosed that since he started school, he had not got the privilege to use a laptop to study, adding that he had always been using his phone to study.
Sharing his experience on using a mobile phone to study, Agongo said that sometimes the battery was not all that good.
At times, it gave him problems, but he just persevered and he was able to make it.
“Again, I’ve not been able to stay in a decent accommodation. I was just managing with some small things. So, the scholarship means a lot to me, and I’m very grateful to MTN for coming to my aid. I promise that I’ll devote my time to study very hard to accomplish my aim and also make Ghana proud, make MTN proud, and make my
family and myself proud,” he added.
On his part, Mr. Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager for MTN Ghana Foundation, in an interview, disclosed that the 500 scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year are made up of 300 students pursuing first degrees in STEM, vocational and technical training, and 200 teachers pursuing degrees in these fields.
MTN Ghana Foundation team ,members of awards jury in a group photograph with awardees
Giving more insights into the MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship awards, the senior manager said behind every scholarship is a person with a dream and a family hoping to see it fulfilled.
“Today, we celebrate what becomes possible when that dream gets a chance. Let me begin with the story of one young Ghanaian. After completing WASSCE, he spent a year at home, not because he had given up on his education. Simply, his family couldn’t afford university fees. With support from the MTN Ghana Foundation, he went on to study at the University for Development Studies. He graduated with distinction, earning awards as the overall best male graduating student of the School of Pharmacy and the best student in Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine,” he recounted.
Mr. Robert Kuzoe making a symbolic presentation to one of the beneficiaries.
According to him, the young man has a talent and the determination to succeed. The scholarship helped remove the financial barrier in his way. “That is why we are here to help ensure that financial hardship doesn’t bring a promising education to an end. As MTN Ghana marks its 30th anniversary, stories like his bring us back to what matters: a young person able to continue, a family able to hope again. Ghanaians have made room for MTN in their lives for 30 years,” he added.
The MTN Ghana Foundation senior manager explained that “each award covers tuition and accommodation and provides a laptop and a stipend.”
He disclosed that out of 5,194 applications, they shortlisted 1,200 candidates for interviews and selected 500 recipients, including 14 persons with disabilities.
He was optimistic that 200 scholarships awarded to teachers would go a long way to help them improve their knowledge of STEM, vocational and technical education.
To the teachers who received the scholarship awards, Mr. Kuzoe said, “Make difficult concepts clearer. Connect lessons to practical problems. The value of your scholarship can reach every learner you teach.”
He continued, “To our 300 student scholars, congratulations! Your hard work has brought you here. Your financial circumstances need not set the limits of your ambition. Ask questions; seek guidance early. When a semester gets difficult, remember: a setback is not a verdict on your ability.”
The MTN Ghana Foundation senior manager encouraged the students to prepare not just to pass their examinations but to put their knowledge to work. “Think critically. Use technology thoughtfully. Act with integrity. Look for problems you can help solve. And when you can, help someone else take the next step,” he stressed.
“For MTN, education and connectivity belong together. A network opens access. Skills and confidence help people turn that access into opportunities. Ghana’s digital future needs people who create and solve problems – not only people who consume technology. No scholarship programme can deliver that future alone. It takes educational institutions, families and businesses working together. MTN will continue to play its part,” he said.
Besides, he announced that since Bright Scholarship awards began in 2018, 1,220 Bright Scholars had received awards.
According to him, the beneficiaries’ achievements included 17 valedictorians or best students and 299 first-class graduates. A further 47 graduated with second-class upper honours and 16 with second-class lower honours.
He added that this year alone, they had celebrated eight valedictorians or award winners. They earned those achievements. “We (MTN Ghana Foundation) are proud to have supported them along the way.
