Joseph emerges triumphant and wins ‘The Scholarship’

Published On Wed 12 Nov 2014 by Grant Hill

After six weeks of intense competition, Joseph Nii Tettey Ashong has emerged as winner of ‘The Scholarship’, the Apprentice-style radio reality show offering one talented Ghanaian student a fully paid place at the University of Dundee.

Joseph’s prize, worth £30,000, includes a one-year postgraduate scholarship for an Energy Studies-related course at the University, return ticket to Scotland, and residential, living, and learning material allowances. The initiative is a collaboration between Accra-based radio station Joy FM and educational consultancy firm Go Study Abroad (GSA).

Moments after being named the winner, Joseph said, “I feel like I’m dreaming. I never imagined I would get an opportunity like this as I know what a scholarship to study at the University of Dundee would mean to me and my community and I am grateful to God and to GSA for giving me this opportunity. Ghana should watch out for me, I will be the best at everything I do.”

The contest was held over six weeks, with each hour-long instalment featuring quizzes, aptitude tests and debates designed to test the knowledge and resolve of university graduates live on radio. Listeners were allowed to text the name of their favourite candidate and judges were on hand to assess each candidate's performance.

The grand finale was held at the African Regent Hotel in Accra, with Joseph doing battle with his fellow finalists Charles Senya and Priscilla Dziedzorm Ayebi. The final three candidates battled through four rounds of questioning on general knowledge, energy and a brain teaser before Charles was eliminated.

The judges tested the candidates knowledge on subjects of their choice before deeming Joseph to have shown superior understanding of the issues.

After the customary dramatic pause, host Kwame Sakyiamah then named him as the winner of The Scholarship 2014.

He will take up his place at the University in January. Ian Ball, Dean of the University’s Graduate School of Natural Resources Law, Policy and Management, congratulated Joseph on his achievement, saying, “We look forward to welcoming this exceptional young man to Dundee and I’m sure he will excel in his studies.

“Over six weeks of intense competition, Joseph proved himself to be the worthy winner, despite the strength of the candidates he faced. The quality of individuals applying to the show was very high, with all candidates having to possess a first class degree before they are eligible for selection. We are delighted to have partnered with Joy FM and GSA to give a life-changing opportunity to a deserving young Ghanaian graduate.”

There are currently 44 Ghanaians studying at the University, with this number expected to rise given its growing reputation in the country. Dundee alumni in Ghana and University staff met with contestants prior to the final.

The Managing Director of GSA, Monorvi Asampong said, “This season has been a great experience for everyone involved. The candidates were given the opportunity to have training on CV and career building, image grooming, interview preparation and confidence boosting, research skills as well as mentoring. We have equipped all candidates with the right tools to make the most of their future, with or without winning The Scholarship.”

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Grant Hill
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