The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST hosted the beneficiaries of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST on 19th May 2023 for the 2023 Vice Chancellor’s Reception. at the Great Hall.
Each year, the Vice-Chancellor hosts the scholars to officially welcome the newest Cohort to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and to the Scholars Community at KNUST. The scholars had the opportunity to dine with the Vice Chancellor together with the senior cohort and a cross-section of faculty members.
This year, the Vice-Chancellor hosted the 350 new Cohort 9 scholars enrolled onto the Scholars Program for the 2022/2023 academic year. The scholars come from different parts of the country and African continent.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, on behalf of KNUST, applauded scholars for the boldness they have displayed. She intimated that she has hopes that the African continent’s future is very bright because we have such brilliant young minds learning and growing to promote the development of their communities.
“This is a great opportunity that has been given to you. A wonderful opportunity that the others could not get. What do you intend to do with it?”
She craved the indulgence of scholars and faculty members to appreciate the Mastercard Foundation for establishing the Scholars Program, for which they find themselves being part of.
She commented on the representation of the international community and the diversity in the Scholars community which is a great tool for networking and a foundation for nurturing the future leaders. Additionally, she indicated that this scholarship is a great opportunity that others could not get and as such what scholars achieve really depends on them, and they should not squander the opportunity they have gotten.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged scholars to put God first in all they do, especially in their studies because He is the source of wisdom.
She admonished them to let the fear of God guide them through this journey. “It is a beautiful journey, and we are all waiting to celebrate with you”. She mentioned that they are being trained as transformational leaders, and therefore, they should not do things they are not supposed to do to bring the name of the University and the Scholars Program into disrepute.
Professor Dickson, thus, indicated that “To whom much is given, much is expected”. She concluded by telling the scholars to make use of the support systems available at KNUST to exceed the limit of their transformational journey.
The President of MCFSP at KNUST Scholars Community, Mr. Dennis Kofi Pida, expressed his excitement for this opportunity given to scholars and stated that it is indeed a great privilege to dine with the Vice Chancellor.
The Scholars Program has trained and nurtured scholars to transform and exceed their limits in everything they do and has also empowered them to transform lives in their respective communities and they are grateful,’ he added.
Mr. Pida encouraged his fellow scholars to make the most out of every opportunity they have and be ready to Go-Back to the community to influence change.
Eight (8) scholars and one (1) scholar alumni were also awarded for their exceptional academic achievements and impactful community engagements.
