Daniel Agudey Doe
When Daniel Agudey Doe entered the University of Ghana to study Computer Engineering, he had a clear idea of what he wanted to become. He was interested in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and hoped to eventually build a career in Robotics. What was less certain was whether he would have the financial support needed to complete his degree.
Daniel’s family wanted to support his education, but their financial circumstances made it difficult to consistently meet his university expenses. During vacations, while many of his colleagues returned home or looked for internships, Daniel took up manual labour jobs, including work on construction sites, to raise money for the next semester.
At school, he had to manage his limited resources carefully, sometimes skipping meals to make ends meet. “I was simply trying to make it through university. If things became impossible and I had to drop out, at least I could say I had given university my best attempt,” he said.
For Daniel, the uncertainty was particularly difficult because he knew that completing his education was essential to pursuing his career ambitions.
The scholarship that changed the equation
Daniel’s story changed when he was selected as a beneficiary of the MTN Ghana Bright Scholarship.
The scholarship covered his tuition and hostel fees and provided support for his studies. With those costs taken care of, Daniel could devote more time and attention to his studies instead of spending his vacations looking for money to return to school.
“For the first time, I had the privilege many financially stable students have, the ability to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about tuition, hostel fees or survival,” he said.
The support also brought relief to his family, who no longer had to constantly worry about how to finance his education.
Daniel was able to participate more fully in group studies, collaborate with his colleagues and give greater attention to his coursework.
*From financial struggle to the best graduating student*
His academic performance reflected the change. Daniel graduated from the University of Ghana as the Best Graduating Computer Engineering Student, a distinction that marked the culmination of his studies and the determination that had kept him in school despite the financial difficulties he faced.
For him, the achievement is closely linked to the opportunity the scholarship provided. “Without the scholarship, I genuinely do not believe I would have completed university. I may have dropped out as early as Level 200 due to financial pressure,” he said.
The young man who once worried about whether he would make it to Level 200 had gone on to become the best graduating student in his programme.
Support beyond the classroom
The support Daniel received also extended beyond his tuition and accommodation. As he prepared for National Service, he received guidance from his scholarship coordinator, Mr George, which helped him make a considered decision about his placement and career direction.
That guidance contributed to his decision to pursue an opportunity that aligned with his long-term interests in technology.
Building a career in data and robotics
Daniel is currently serving his National Service at Amalitech as a Data Engineer. The role forms part of a career path he has mapped out for himself. He hopes to build expertise in data engineering, move into Machine Learning and eventually pursue Robotics.
He also plans to pursue further studies, with a possible master’s degree in Robotics or a related field combining Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
For Daniel, the journey from construction sites to a career in technology has reinforced the importance of having the opportunity to remain in school and develop his abilities.
The MTN Bright Scholarship
Daniel’s experience is part of a wider programme through which the MTN Ghana Foundation has supported young people pursuing tertiary education.
Launched in 2017 to mark MTN Ghana’s 20th anniversary, the Bright Scholarship has supported 1,220 brilliant but needy students to complete their tertiary education.
The scholarship provides support for tuition and accommodation, as well as a laptop and a stipend for books and study materials.
Over nine years, the programme has reached students in 18 tertiary institutions across the country, including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast, as well as colleges of education and health training institutions.
The academic achievements of the scholars also tell part of the story. Seventeen Bright Scholars have graduated as valedictorians or best students at their universities, while 299 have graduated with first-class honours, 47 with second-class upper and 16 with second-class lower honours.
Daniel is among those whose academic journey has added to that record.
A story of opportunity and impact
Looking back, Daniel says the MTN Bright Scholarship has had an impact beyond his own education. “The MTN Bright Scholarship did not just change my life, it positively impacted my family, and my community,” he said.
As MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operations in Ghana, Daniel’s experience forms part of the stories of young people whose educational journeys have been supported through the MTN Ghana Foundation’s investment in education.
A student who once worried about making it to Level 200 completed university as the best graduating student in his programme and is now beginning a career in Ghana’s technology sector.