From selling body splash to Best Female Graduating Student at UDS – Hamdia’s inspiring journey

Hamdia Issahaku, a student from Gambaga in the North East Region, has achieved remarkable success in her academic journey at the University for Development Studies (UDS). Her inspiring story began with financial hardships that forced her to sell body splash between hostels, a situation that intensified after her father's retirement and the expenses incurred for her brother's medical treatment.

Despite these challenges, Hamdia persevered and gained admission to UDS to pursue a degree in Nursing. However, the cost of tuition, accommodation, books, and other academic necessities posed a significant obstacle. Determined to continue her education, she took on the task of selling body splash to fellow students to support her needs.

This entrepreneurial endeavor, though lucrative, came at the cost of her academic performance, often resulting in missed lectures. Her situation improved when Dr Umar Haruna, the Vice Dean of Students at UDS, encouraged her to apply for the MTN Bright Scholarship. This scholarship provided Hamdia with crucial financial assistance for tuition, accommodation, and essential study materials, effectively allowing her to focus on her studies without the distraction of financial worries.

Receiving this fully funded scholarship marked a pivotal moment in her life, described by Hamdia as one of the happiest days. Beyond the financial support, the scholarship application process boosted her confidence, especially in public speaking and self-presentation, skills that proved invaluable during her pursuit of excellence.

Hamdia successfully completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UDS, culminating in her graduation as the Best Female Graduating Student in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Currently, she is engaged in national service at Tema General Hospital, where she is gaining practical experience, marking the beginning of her professional nursing career.

Despite her academic and professional achievements, Hamdia remains committed to her entrepreneurial spirit and has launched a small business producing and selling beverages like Sobolo and Zomkom. Her journey underscores the profound impact of the MTN Ghana Foundation's Bright Scholarship, which has supported 1,220 students in completing their tertiary education since its inception in 2017.

This scholarship initiative, launched to celebrate MTN Ghana's 20th anniversary, has touched students at 18 tertiary institutions, contributing to the success of 17 valedictorians and 299 students who earned first-class honors, among other outstanding academic achievements. For Hamdia, the scholarship is more than a financial aid program; it represents a lifeline that transformed her challenging circumstances into a pathway of success and recognition.