‘The Scholarship’ winner to graduate

Published On Tue 23 Jun 2015 by Grant Hill

The first winner of ‘The Scholarship’, the Apprentice-style, Ghanaian radio reality show offering a place at the University of Dundee will graduate later this week.

Dennis Akande (27) won the inaugural series in 2013 and received a prize worth £30,000, which included 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 joint collaboration operated by Accra-based radio station, Joy FM and educational consultancy firm, Go Study Abroad (GSA).

The contest was held over eight 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.

After being crowned winner, Dennis took up his place on the MSc Energy Economics programme at Dundee’s Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP). During his time in the city, he became heavily involved in all aspects of student life and co-organised the first energy summit to be held in Dundee.

Dennis currently works in Paris as a Community Management/Research Intern as well as undertaking a project he initiated to create awareness and seek aid for victims of Buruli Ulcer in Ghana. He will return to Dundee tomorrow, when he will don the traditional dress of Scotland and graduate wearing a kilt.

“Emerging as the winner of The Scholarship was not only a momentous occasion but a defining moment in my life,” said Dennis. “Words could not describe the joy that coursed through my body when the announcement was made. I leaped spontaneously as the tension in my heart gave way for the ecstasy that continued to build up.

“My time in Dundee has been filled with eclectic experiences. Although I had to put in an enormous amount of study hours whiles pursuing my masters, CEPMLP has exposed me to an immense volume of knowledge through its rich academic resources and excellent environment that strikes a balance between theory and practice.

“I have also built a network of strong, lasting relationship with my professors, fellow students and industry personnel through various fraternities on campus. The Scottish cultural experience has been amazing right from the ceilidh dinner and dance to the field trips of historic sites in and out of Dundee. All these are treasured memories of my time in Dundee and I hope to use my experiences of the past year-and-a-half to make a positive impact when I get back to Ghana.

“My deep gratitude goes to CEPMLP and GSA for presenting me this wonderful experience of studying in the UK. My thanks also goes to my family and loved ones who have supported me endlessly throughout my studies.”

Dennis will be accompanied by his mother, sister, cousins and girlfriend in Dundee for his graduation.

The University’s Graduation ceremonies take place from Wednesday 24th to Friday 26th June in the Caird Hall in Dundee. Around 3500 students will receive their degrees and diplomas over the course of the week, one of the highlights of the academic calendar.

‘The Scholarship’ continues to be popular in Ghana, with Joseph Nii Tettey Ashong winning the second series and taking up his place at CEPMLP in January 2015.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
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