GCTU has successfully hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme on April 10, 2025, at the Florence Onny Auditorium.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme is designed to nurture young leaders from across Africa who possess transformative leadership potential and a deep commitment to community development. It supports academically gifted individuals, particularly females, refugees and persons with disabilities, to overcome financial barriers and pursue university education.
Delivering the keynote address, GCTU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, emphasized the foundation’s long-standing dedication to education, economic empowerment and leadership development across Africa. He introduced the PREPARE framework, a roadmap for students aspiring to become exceptional graduates and scholarship recipients:
- P – Proactive Learning
- R – Research Experience
- E – Excellence in Academics
- P – Purpose-Driven Goals
- A – Active Engagement
- R – Refined Communication Skills
- E – Endorsements and References
The Programmes Manager of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Pretoria, Dr. Efe Isike, outlined the programme’s mission to build the next generation of African changemakers. She highlighted four core pillars:
- Academic Excellence – Supporting top-performing students
- Financial Support – Removing economic barriers to education
- Leadership Development – Fostering leadership capacity
- Community Engagement – Promoting social responsibility
She also detailed the programme’s comprehensive support which includes tuition fees, medical aid, transportation, leadership training, entrepreneurship development and community engagement opportunities. Eligibility criteria, she noted, include academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to community service.
The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, expressed pride in hosting the event, reaffirming the University’s dedication to inclusive education and academic excellence. “The Mastercard Foundation is widely recognised for its investment in young people and support programme designed to empower academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged students to realise their potential,” he emphasized. He proposed a strategic partnership between GCTU and the Foundation to train human capital not only for Ghana, but for the global stage.
Also speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Ruhiya Abubakar, welcomed the collaboration and noted the Foundation’s special emphasis on engineering education. She acknowledged the University of Pretoria’s unique support for engineering students under the programme and expressed hope for deeper academic partnerships.
The event marked a significant step in the University’s commitment to empowering talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds through access to quality higher education.
