Two officials from the Fondazione Edu Scholarship Scheme have called on the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), Prof. Kweku Osam in his office recently. The Italian foundation scheme which has its headquarters in Milan, Italy is in the process of awarding 20 undergraduate scholarships to students of the University of Ghana through the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO).
The Head of the SFAO, Mrs. Christine Baning, introduced the delegation to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
The Coordinator of the Scholarship scheme, Chiara Piaggio, said they would be conducting interviews to award scholarships to successful student applicants. He spoke of the rigorous selection process conducted last year, but said this was necessary in order to select the best students.
Matteo Stefanelli, who is a Professor in the Catholic University at Milan, said they were interested in establishing the focus and motivation of the student applicants in pursuing their degree programmes, in addition to determining students who were in real need of financial support. He said that the scheme is interested in students who have the potential of becoming agents of change rather than merely being in the university to further their education.
Prof. Stefanelli hinted that the University of Ghana was chosen as a beneficiary institution because Fondazione Edu Scholarship Foundation is desirous to collaborate and establish a relationship with an institution that is well organized and was happy to note that the University of Ghana fitted in this criteria. Speaking of the impending interview and selection process which was to be conducted during their visit, he was hopeful that the students who would be selected would be good material and who will add value to the University.
Prof Osam, on behalf of the University welcomed the team and responded to and provided clarification on various questions posed by the guests. On the question of provision of meals for students, Prof. Osam said that the various halls of residence all had cafeteria services which provided meals to students in the 1960’s to the 1970’s. This, he said, could not be sustained due to the economic hardships Ghana experienced in later years. Prof. Osam said the University has plans to introduce a meal plan for students to ensure they have healthy meals, adding that there are enough eateries on campus for the meal plan to be executed.
On the issue of academic advisory services for students, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor said the University has a Counselling and Placement Centre that helps students with their academic, career and personal issues since most students come directly from high school and need guidance on their courses of study. In addition, he noted, that the various Departments have course advisors, who also assist students deal with their academic challenges on campus.
The Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Stella Amoa, reechoed the role of the Counselling and Placement Centre and said the Centre which is manned by professionals, not only provides counseling services, but also assists students recognize hidden potentials and talents they have, using psychometric testing and measurements. She called on students to make use of such opportunities, in addition to the wide range of academic and social facilities that have been put in place for their overall development.
