Ghana’s Scholarship Secretariat has issued a firm appeal to 68 students awarded the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship this year: complete your studies and return home to serve the nation.
The call comes amid concerns over 32 previous scholars who overstayed abroad, directly reducing Ghana’s 2025 quota for the prestigious Hungarian government-funded program.
Deputy Registrar Bartholomew Nambazing addressed recipients at the 2025 Orientation Day in Accra, stressing their dual role as academic beneficiaries and diplomatic envoys.
“Eschew indiscipline. Remember: international study is a distinct privilege,” he stated, highlighting the legally binding bond all scholars sign before departure.
“We have issues with graduates from other programs refusing to return – don’t repeat this pattern.” Students risk forfeiting government-funded return flights if they fail to notify Ghana’s embassy in Budapest three months before completing studies.
Hungary’s Deputy Head of Mission Krisztina Orosz-Jaksi framed the scholarship as a strategic “bridge” between the 5,000-kilometer-distant nations.
Since its 2015 launch with 50 annual slots (increased to 100 in 2019), over 800 Ghanaians have studied in Hungary. “We rely on you as cultural ambassadors,” Orosz-Jaksi told the new cohort, urging them to absorb Hungarian innovation while preparing to develop Ghana.
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The event showcased successful returnees like George Odamten (Governance Africa Foundation founder) and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, who cautioned students against protests over stipend delays. “Be patient diplomats, not demonstrators,” advised Tetteh, recalling past tensions. “Your conduct reflects on Ghana’s global reputation.”
With over 3,000 applicants competing for just 68 spots this year, the Secretariat emphasized that scholarship retention hinges on scholars honouring their commitment. As Ghana battles brain drain – particularly from UK/US programs – Hungary’s investment now tests whether educational bridges can sustainably channel skills homeward.
