Professor Kwaku Atuhene Gyimah, Founder of Nobel International Business University (NIBS), delivered a heartfelt speech today, praising Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for his pivotal role in the Nation’s democratic journey and announcing a new scholarship program in his name for parliamentary staff.
The event, held in Parliament underscored the Speaker’s contributions to national stability and public service capacity building. Professor Gyimah began by highlighting Speaker’s continuous membership in a key national institution from the first inception of power to the current operation, suggesting a long-standing commitment to public service.
Beyond his role in national stability, the professor commended Speaker Bagbin for being instrumental in enhancing the capacity development of public hearings and parliamentary staff, noting that many NIBS alumni are already working in these sectors, and others are current students at the university.
To further bolster this process and increase the number of public service graduates equipped with vital research skills, the NIBS founder stressed the need for concrete action beyond mere words. He unveiled a new scholarship program established in Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s name. “We are here to give you something that is hopefully everlasting, as long as the university lasts, that will last,” he declared.
The Alban Bagbin Scholarship aims to support an average of 20 parliamentary staff members annually. Professor Gyimah clarified that with Speaker Bagbin’s endorsement, the scholarship would cover half of their fees, effectively providing substantial financial assistance for their studies.
Meanwhile the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, expressed profound gratitude upon receiving the honor from NIBS and its Founder, highlighting the critical role of the newly established scholarship for parliamentary staff.
In his acceptance remarks, Speaker Bagbin underscored the importance of nurturing Ghana’s democracy and ensuring its benefits reach ordinary citizens.He emphasized the delicate balance required in managing parliamentary affairs to safeguard Ghana’s globally recognized democracy.
The Speaker lauded the NIBS initiative, assuring that the scholarship “will never be abused” and would be judiciously offered to deserving members and staff. He noted the high caliber of existing parliamentary personnel, some of whom are already NIBS alumni.
Speaker Bagbin underscored that the NIBS offer is unique, not just as a scholarship, but as an investment in human resources. “With this offer, it’s not only the scholarship we depend on, but we also include many more members to learn from your university,” he explained, calling it a “very critical intervention” by leadership.
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Bagbin affirmed that the investment in education and capacity building “will not be an investment in futility, but rather yield a lot of dividends for Ghana. He commended NIBS for “showing the way” in creating an enabling environment for higher education.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
