The Ambassador of Lebanon, Maher Kheir, has passionately encouraged students at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) to challenge the status quo and embrace innovation as a means to transform society.

He made these remarks during the annual Lebanese Scholarship Award ceremony, which honours distinguished students across various disciplines at UniMAC.

At the 2025 edition of the awards, twenty-six (26) brilliant students received scholarships from the Lebanese community in Ghana for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Awardees were drawn from several faculties and academic levels, following the recent expansion of the scheme. These included students in journalism, public relations, translation, film and television, as well as postgraduate students.

The ceremony was graced by Lebanese Ambassador Maher Kheir, UniMAC Vice Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, Acting Registrar Patience Sowah, Dean of Students Dr. Rodalina Martey, Director of Finance Francis Obeng, Head of Public Affairs Nana Efua Rockson, deans of various faculties, senior staff members of UniMAC, and the representative of the Lebanese Committee, Naaman Ashkar.

This year’s event saw 4 postgraduate students, 12 undergraduate journalism students, 4 public relations students, 4 film and television students, and 2 translation students receive scholarships, making a total of 26 beneficiaries.

Ambassador Kheir presented a cheque of GH¢124,425 to Vice Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah, representing the full tuition payment for the 26 deserving students.

Kheir praised the recipients for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to their studies, their communities, and their dreams.

“You truly deserve this moment,” he noted. “Let it inspire you to go even further, to challenge conventions, to innovate boldly, and to uplift others as you rise.”

He emphasized that receiving a scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a vote of confidence, a recognition of hard work, and a stepping stone to greater possibilities.

“It says: we believe in you. We are investing in your future.”

Despite their achievement, he urged the students not to rest on their laurels but to strive for excellence.

“Walk forward with courage, create with purpose, and let your dreams illuminate paths yet to be discovered. The world is waiting for your light—shine brightly,” he said.

He also called on the broader community to support young people in achieving their aspirations.

“Let us continue to build a culture that celebrates excellence, encourages creativity, and opens doors for every young dreamer,” he added.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Eric Opoku Mensah applauded the growing relationship between UniMAC and the Lebanese community, emphasizing that the university does not take their support for granted.

He urged the beneficiaries to study diligently and make meaningful contributions to Ghanaian society. In addition, he encouraged them to cultivate good character, as this would reflect the values of the university and their chosen professions.

Nancy Adjorkor Oman, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed gratitude to the Lebanese community for their consistent support, which she said had significantly boosted their academic journey.

She noted that the scholarship had relieved the financial burden on their families and improved their academic performance.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, she pledged their continued commitment to academic excellence to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Naaman Ashkar, representing the Lebanese community, reaffirmed Lebanon’s belief in education and its power to transform lives. He emphasized that this belief drives their continued investment in the sector.

He pledged the community’s commitment to sustaining financial support for Ghanaian students and noted that the Lebanese Scholarship Programme would continue to explore new opportunities to help more Ghanaian students access quality education in diverse disciplines.

Now in its 12th year, the Lebanese Scholarship Programme has expanded to include new faculties. It currently supports students in law, journalism, languages, performing arts, public relations, translation, and film and television.

Beneficiary institutions include the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), the University of Ghana, the Ghana School of Law, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

GA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb's tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below: