The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has launched a scholarship scheme aimed at equipping Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff with advanced academic training to enhance their leadership and governance skills.
The initiative, which is a partnership with Noble University, (NiBS) would provide scholarships for doctoral programmes in leadership, governance, and innovation.
In his keynote address at the launch in Parliament House on Monday, the Speaker emphasised the importance of knowledge and education in leadership, stating that “empowered governance is not achieved through power alone, it is achieved through knowledge, reflection, and moral courage.”
It was on the theme: “Empowering Governance Through Advanced Scholarship,” with the being part of the Speaker’s vision to position Parliament as a leading institution for leadership and government education in Africa.
The Speaker said the success of Ghana’s democracy depended on the quality of minds that sustained it, adding that “If we are to build a parliament that will reflect the aspirations of our people, then we must invest in the intellectual and professional growth of those who serve.”
Mr Bagbin acknowledged that continuous capacity building and training were essential for the MPs to stay updated on key issues and best practices, saying the beneficiaries would be equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to effectively represent their constituents and make informed decisions that would benefit the nation.
“Investment in knowledge and research is key to shaping policies that benefit citizens, and advanced scholarships can empower governance, leading to strong institutions, ethical leadership, and inclusive policies. It’s a step towards a brighter future for all Ghanaians,” he said.
The Speaker’s initiative was expected to have a ripple effect on the country’s governance, as beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme were envisioned to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to drive transformation and improve the lives of Ghanaians.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, NiBS University launched a $108,000 scholarship programme in the name of the Speaker of Parliament, to support the capacity development of MPs and Parliamentary Service Staff.
Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, the Founder and President, NiBS University, said the scholarship, aimed at enhancing the skills of 20 beneficiaries for essential and effective parliamentary work to uphold democracy and self-development.
“However, applicants must have their forms endorsed by the speaker,” he advised.
The key aspects of the scholarship included capacity building to enhance skills and knowledge of MPs and Parliamentary Service Staff; a partnership collaboration between Parliament and the University to promote knowledge sharing and capacity development; and peer review to promote peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing among MPs and staff.
On Thursday, June 26, Mr Bagbin announced the institution of the Speaker’s Scholarship for MPs and Parliamentary Service Staff by NiBS University to MPs.
He said this scholarship was a testament to the university’s commitment to promoting academic advancement and capacity building among lawmakers and Parliamentary Service Staff, stressing that university education was the cornerstone of national development.
Speaker Bagbin, in his formal address to the MPs during proceedings, explained that the scholarship covered various graduate programmes, including a PhD in Business Administration, a Doctor of Business Leadership, and a Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership, with attractive monetary values ranging from $1,399 to $7,599.
“It is expected that these scholarships from NiBS University will promote lifelong learning among Members of Parliament and Staff of the Parliamentary Service, strengthen policy research and legislative analysis, and bridge the gap between academia and governance,” he stated.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to Prof. Atuahene-Gima and the entire University community for the generous offer and encouraged the MPs and staff to take full advantage of the scholarship, to enhance their leadership skills, and propel Parliament to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
The scholarship scheme has been greatly welcomed by parliamentarians and staff, who see it as an opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute to national development.
They commended the Speaker and NiBS for their commitment to quality education that would promote knowledge sharing and informed decision-making.
