Beneficiaries of the Educational Pathways International (EPI) scholarship programme at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) have been encouraged to pursue academic excellence while developing strong personal and professional skills to position themselves for future success.
Speaking at an engagement session with scholars, President of EPI, Mrs. Sara Lafrance expressed her excitement about reconnecting with students in person after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that the pandemic had limited interactions with beneficiaries, making the current engagement particularly meaningful.
“We’ve only been here once, but from this point on, we hope to see you every year,” she said.
She described the scholarship as more than financial support, urging students to take advantage of mentorship and soft skills training opportunities provided under the programme. She stressed the importance of attending seminars on public speaking, career development, and other essential life skills, describing them as integral to shaping well-rounded graduates.
“You now join what we consider a family, the EPI family… but don’t relax, because now the work begins,” she stated.
She explained that EPI works with three other institutions, including KNUST, and commended the Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) for their role in selecting candidates, revealing that out of 136 applicants, only a selected few were chosen after a rigorous screening and interview process.
“You should understand how competitive this process was and why you were selected,” she told the beneficiaries, adding that their inclusion in the programme marks the beginning of greater responsibility.
She also highlighted the strength of the EPI alumni network, which currently boasts over 300 members, urging students to remain connected beyond their university years for networking and career opportunities.
Touching on peer support, she encouraged continuing students to guide and support new beneficiaries, recalling the anxiety many experience when first joining the programme.
Senior Assistant Registrar in Charge of Student Support and Financial Services at DoSA, Mrs. Theodora Oduro encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them and strive for academic excellence.
“This does not come by chance, it comes with a lot of sacrifices. It comes with a lot of determination,” she stated.
She further charged the students to remain committed and give their best in all endeavours.
“Make sure you put in your best and make EPI proud,” she urged.
The EPI Alumni President, Emmanuel Kpogo, shared his personal journey, describing how the scholarship transformed his life by relieving financial burdens and opening doors to opportunities beyond the classroom.
He noted that EPI’s holistic support system enabled him to actively participate in campus life and leadership activities, shaping his career trajectory.
“What EPI did for me was to take off the financial burden and provide the right guidance,” he said, adding that the programme empowers students to explore their full potential.
Mr. Kpogo encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the platform provided, stressing that their selection reflects not only academic merit but also character and potential for impact.
He further highlighted the long-term benefits of the programme, citing his own academic progression from undergraduate studies to advanced degrees as evidence of the opportunities available through dedication and support.
Also sharing experience, Bismark Awine Akansise, a final-year Doctor of Optometry student, advised fellow beneficiaries to cultivate a genuine passion for learning rather than studying solely to pass examinations.
He urged beneficiaries to focus on understanding concepts deeply, noting that this approach enhances long-term retention and application of knowledge.
“Don’t just learn because you want to pass. Enjoy the process of learning,” he advised.
