Patoranking announces recipients of his scholarship fund

The 10 beneficiaries will study at the African Leadership University (ALU) this year. The scholarship will cover all costs including tuition fees.

The awardees were selected from thousands of entries and more than 45 African countries. The recipients are as follows: Chidera Nnadozie (Nigeria), Abdulmaleek Usman (Nigeria), Emmanuel Markwei (Ghana), Hardness Range (Tanzania), Hanisani Nleya (Zimbabwe), Amos Kasumba (Uganda), Kafumba S. Daramay (Liberia), Emmanuel Okorwoit (Kenya), Sandra Mugeniwayesu (Rwanda), and Youssouf Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso).

“These young Africans have distinguished themselves through their vision, resilience, and the impact they have already made in their communities, despite their financial limitations,” Patoranking said. “They have demonstrated exceptional potential in becoming part of the next generation of leaders that will greatly improve the continent and it’s the potential impact that I see them making that gets me excited.”

"The Patoranking scholarship was set up in partnership with ALU to identify young Africans in low-income areas with an exceptional track record of impact within their communities, and connect them with a world-class education that will enable them to scale this impact."

ALU admissions director, Tino Elgner, said: “We are excited to receive these 10 Patoranking scholars to both our Rwanda and Mauritius Campuses for the 2020 session. The scholarship was highly contested and these young Africans were able to stand out clearly with an impressive story. We are even more confident that they will go on to create positive change starting from their communities.”

The award-winning artist vowed to continue supporting the beneficiaries throughout their stay at ALU, which he believes would facilitate the scholars’ development into entrepreneurial leaders. Patoraking is among Africa's leading exports in the reggae-dancehall genre. Earlier this year, the singer was featured in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list.

More than 1 200 students who represent over 40 African countries are currently studying at ALU. In 2019, the institution was ranked among Fast Company magazine's 50 most innovative organisations in the world. It has also been named by The New York Times as one of eight places in the world making history.