July 23, 2018
The Jim Ovia Foundation, through the Africa-America Institute (AAI), will be funding scholarships for a pioneer group of students joining Ashesi with the arrival of the Class of 2022. Ashesi was selected as the first partner for the Jim Ovia Leaders scholarship fund in December of 2017, with the announcement being made by the founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, during the launch of the bank’s new office in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch, the Zenith Bank founder praised Ashesi’s excellence and considered the partnership as a way of “contributing to education in Ghana,” where the bank does business. “We need to collectively empower young people and create a network of future leaders and game changers that can propel our continent,” said Jim Ovia, in comments to the press. “This fund and partnership with AAI are part of my continued dedication.”
Photo: Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, speaking at the inauguration of the bank’s new head office in Accra
Through the partnership, qualified students from across Africa will receive need-based scholarships, covering full tuition, accommodation, mentoring support and travel from home to campus during school breaks. Both Ashesi and the second university partner, Covenant University in Nigeria, were chosen by the executive leadership of the Jim Ovia Foundation.
“I am especially delighted, and honored, as the fund has been entrusted to the Africa-America Institute (AAI),” said Nik Amarteifio, member of the AAI Board. “And as if that weren’t enough to make one proud, one of the first beneficiaries of the fund is Ashesi University, one of the pre-eminent institutions of higher education here in Ghana. Ashesi is a long-standing partner of the Africa-America Institute. A new generation will be afforded opportunities to shine thanks to the Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders scholarship fund, and the world-class education they will attain at Ashesi University.”
Since its inception, support from different organizations and individuals have enabled hundreds of students to join the Ashesi community. Over the 2017 / 2018 academic year, some 47% of students were on scholarships – a mix between full scholarships and partial scholarships. Scholarships at Ashesi are awarded based on demonstrated need and aim to allow qualifying students to attend Ashesi, regardless of their financial resources. Click here to learn more here.
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