Gambaga:Hamdia Issahaku's inspiring journey from selling body splash at the University for Development Studies (UDS) to graduating as the Best Female Graduating Student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery is a testament to her resilience and determination.
According to Ghana News Agency, Hamdia faced significant financial challenges early in life. Raised in Gambaga in the North East Region, she lost her mother at a young age, and her father's retirement left the family with limited resources. The situation worsened when her brother required an expensive craniotomy, consuming a significant part of the family's savings and leaving them struggling to cover household and educational expenses.
When Hamdia was admitted to UDS for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, financing her education was difficult. To support herself, she began selling body splash to students in various hostels. Despite the academic challenges this posed, she was determined to stay in school. Though she applied for the Tisungtaba Scholarship, it was insufficient for her needs.
Her fortunes changed when Dr. Umar Haruna, then Vice Dean of Students at UDS, advised her to apply for the MTN Bright Scholarship. Upon selection, the scholarship covered her tuition, accommodation, provided a laptop, and a stipend for books, easing her financial burden. This support allowed her to focus more on her studies, boosting her confidence and public speaking skills.
After completing her program, Hamdia graduated as the Best Female Graduating Student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Now, she is gaining experience at Tema General Hospital during her National Service and has started a small beverage business producing Sobolo and Zomkom.
Hamdia expressed gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for their support, which she credited with enabling her academic success. The MTN Bright Scholarship, launched in 2017, has aided 1,220 students across 18 tertiary institutions in Ghana, providing comprehensive support including tuition and a laptop. For Hamdia, this scholarship was not just financial support but a pivotal step in her journey from hardship to academic excellence.