Lebanese Community awards scholarships to 12 law students at University of Ghana
The Lebanese Community in Ghana through its flagship education programme has awarded scholarships to twelve brilliant law students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana.
This move forms parts of efforts to bridge the education gap and to promote educational between Lebanon and Ghana.
At a ceremony, the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana His Excellency Maher Kheir presented a cheque citing Lebanon’s heritage as a leader in law in the Middle East as the motivation for assisting law students.
The ceremony, an annual commitment, was held in the presence of the Provost of the College of Humanities, Director of Public Affairs, Dean of the Law Faculty, Heads of Deparment, Senior Lecturers, Faculty Staff and representatives from the Lebanese Community including Mr. Naaman Ashkar.
Ambassador’s remarks
The Lebanese Ambassador Maher Kheir observed the importance of law is advancing the growth of human societies.
“Law is the pillar of any human society. We cannot live, grow or progress without it” he said.
The legal profession, he noted, “holds a unique power to effect positive change, and each of you has the potential to contribute significantly”.
He advised the students to uphold the standards of the legal profession urging them to prioritize responsibility.
“Having received this unique privilege of legal education, I challenge you to uphold truth, champion fairness, stand by ethics and be responsible in practice” he added.
Lebanon, he stressed, stands out as a leader in law in the Middle East and the Gulf region as the first Law Faculty in the Middle East was built in Beirut.
“That’s why we remain committed to stand with you to receive the best education in this field” he added.
He commended the beneficiaries for working hard to earn the scholarship adding “Your passion for the law which is the driving force behind your success has brought this far. So remain passionate and always remember that, we believe in you and look forward to the impact you will make in the years to come.”
Provost’s remarks
Professor Joseph Yaro, Provost of the College of Humanities, noted that the scholarship shows the commitment of the Lebanese Community to promoting excellence in education and legal profession and to lift standards in Ghana’s legal industry.
He applauded the partnership between the school and the Community noting that these engagements allow the faculty to give the students a transformative teaching and learning experience.
He challenged other institutions and groups to emulate the gesture in supporting students towards achieving academic excellence.
Professor Yaro reiterated the Faculty’s commitment to fostering partnership that promotes positive change and helping students reach their full potential.
He also urged the awardees to continue working hard adding “this award is not culmination of your efforts but a springboard to greater heights. Strive for excellence because the future of Ghana rests in your capable hands.”
Dean’s remarks
Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the law faculty, expressed gratitude to the Community for their commitment towards supporting students for almost two decades.
He however made a passionate appeal for expansion of the scheme to include more students at the faculty and increase in amount to cover additional costs that students encounter.
This, he says, will go a long way to enhance the wholistic learning experience for beneficiaries.
“We deeply appreciate the support of the Lebanese community for almost two decades. But we would like to request an expansion of the scheme to include more students and other costs that students encounter. We however humbly request that they would consider expanding the scheme” he said.
Student’s remarks
One of the beneficiaries, Nahum Agyapong thanked the sponsors for the generous gesture as it has eased the financial burden on their respective families.
He affirmed that beneficiaries will pursue academic excellence in order to honour the confidence reposed in them by both the university and donors.
Lebanese representative
Mr. Ashkar Naaman, a representative of the Lebanese Community, reiterated their joy and commitment to contribute to the students’ academic pursuit.
He stressed that they will continue to assist brilliant Ghanaian students in different academic disciplines as part of efforts to achieve educational co-operation.
The Scholarship scheme, in the last decade, has assisted over 500 students from GIJ (now UniMAC), KNUST, the University of Ghana and more recently, the School of Languages and the School of Performing Arts.
Under the leadership of the Lebanese Ambassador, students in Public Relations, Translation and Film and Television faculties at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) have been included in the scheme.
