The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) and Axis Pension Trust Ltd., one of the largest private pension providers in Ghana, have joined forces to introduce the Axis Pension Young Scholars Fellowship. This scholarship programme is tailored to support brilliant but financially constrained students of the Business School and also offers them a pathway to career development through initiatives such as skills training, internships, and mentorship.
To mark the inauguration of the Axis Pension Young Scholars Fellowship Awards Scheme, thirty students from UGBS were granted scholarships totaling GH¢200,000. Each recipient is set to receive around GH¢6,600 annually to cover essential expenses such as tuition, accommodation fees, and a semester’s stipend.
The recipients, comprising seven females and twenty-three males, underwent a rigorous selection process, including interviews and thorough scrutiny. Additionally, students were required to maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 to be eligible for this prestigious scholarship.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme at the R. S. Amegashie Auditorium, the Dean of UGBS, Prof. Justice Bawole, gave an overview of the scholarship. Prof. Bawole emphasised the potential within the Business School to help individuals realise their capabilities. Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by students, he commended Axis Pension Trust for its commitment to supporting needy but brilliant students, allocating an impressive sum of GH 200,000 to the programme.
Dean of UGBS, Prof. Justice Bawole
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the collaboration between Axis Pension Trust and UGBS. She noted that the partnership aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, emphasising inclusive and equitable quality education. Prof. Amfo lauded the scholarship programme for not only providing financial support but also offering opportunities for lifelong transformation, leadership programmes, internships, and community engagements.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Highlighting the importance of technology in education, the Vice-Chancellor extended an invitation to Axis Pensions to donate laptops to support the Student Digitalisation Initiative. She stressed the need to create a culture that integrates technology and humanity, aligning with her vision for the University.
The Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, commended Axis Pension for engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility projects that benefit both the community and the organisation. He encouraged scholarship beneficiaries to live up to the values of the award, envisioning a future where they would positively impact the world.
Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori
Mr. Ernest Ababio, the Board Chairman of Axis Pension Trust, reiterated that the programme is not merely about providing financial aid but also focuses on comprehensive capacity building and leadership development for the students. He announced that the scholars would be inducted as ambassadors of Axis Pension Trust, charged with driving positive change in their communities.
Mr. Ernest Ababio, the Board Chairman of Axis Pension Trust
Prof. Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah, Head of the Selection Committee, provided insights into the meticulous selection process, explaining that eligible students were from levels 100 to 400 at UGBS.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Frank Tsikata, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Business School for its ongoing efforts to address students’ needs. He extended sincere appreciation to Axis Pensions Trust for the transformative initiative, recognising the profound impact it would have on the lives of the scholarship beneficiaries.
The event was attended by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, the CEO of Axis Pension Trust Ltd, Mr. Afriyie Oware as well as faculty, staff and students of UGBS.
