People Directory

Our team is the heartbeat of our collaborative efforts, comprising diverse experts from various fields. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives, uniting to drive innovation and impact in the health sector. Together, we are more than just a team; we are a community committed to transforming healthcare across Africa.

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People Directory

Photo of Jemila Abdulai

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Titilola Abolade

, MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Photo of Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Photo of Kuol Maper Alier

Master Scholar

Moi University, University of Toronto

Photo of Wisdom Mawuenyefia Amenyo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Toronto

Photo of Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Profile

Jemila Abdulai

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

My most valued experience as a Mastercard Scholar at UofT has been the profound sense of family and community.

It’s a journey filled with thrilling and exciting moments, but it’s the heartfelt love and unwavering support from fellow scholars and the Mastercard administrators that I treasure the most. Knowing that we have each other’s backs, no matter the challenges we face, is truly amazing. This tight-knit community has made my scholar journey unforgettable, and I will forever be grateful for the genuine connections and camaraderie that define our experience here.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Titilola Abolade, MPH

Mastercard Foundation Doctoral Scholar

University of Toronto

With a career spanning over 15 years, Titilola has professional work experience in public health program development, management, and leadership at both national and international organizations in Nigeria.

This involved working with government agencies and parastatals, UN Agencies, NGOs, Community-based organizations (CBOs), Faith-based Organizations (FBOs), private sector and donor organizations across Nigeria through partnership, collaboration, capacity strengthening, resource mobilization, technical assistance, research and other health systems strengthening initiatives.

Titilola is in the 2nd year of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Program. Prior to this, she worked as Program Director overseeing Nutrition International’s programs and operations in Nigeria and ensuring they are aligned with the Government of Nigeria’s strategic priorities. In 2018, Titilola received Nutrition International’s “President’s Award of Excellence” for leadership. She has also previously worked with the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) in Ibadan and Abuja, Nigeria and Sightsavers Nigeria Country office, Kaduna.

Titilola is grateful for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship and believes the DrPH program will further strengthen her knowledge, capacity and network in advanced public health research, policy and leadership. This is with a view to contributing to developing, scaling and leading effective and innovative solutions to public health challenges in Nigeria and Africa. She believes health and nutrition play a critical role in development. Her research interests include maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition.

Email Address
titilola.abolade@mail.utoronto.ca
Profile Type
Scholar
Country
Canada
Programs
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Profile

Elizabeth Acheampong

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

My experience as an international student on the Mastercard Scholarship at the University of Toronto has been nothing short of transformative.

It has not only provided me with a world-class education but has also opened doors to new horizons and perspectives. I have felt welcomed and embraced by a multicultural community. Interacting with peers from various backgrounds has enriched my cultural awareness and global perspective. It has taught me the importance of empathy and understanding, essential skills for our interconnected world. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Nicholas Kofi Adegbe

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

I am Nicholas Kofi Adegbe from Ghana. Once doubtful of advancing beyond high school, but my life took a pivotal turn with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2018.

Fast forward after undergraduate degree, I got the life changing opportunity from the scholar’s program again to pursue a masters in Financial Insurance at the University of Toronto. The intricate blend of data science and finance in my program doesn’t just add to my academic knowledge; it serves as a catalyst, setting me on a path to reshape financial frameworks.

Beyond academia, the Scholars program’s leadership training has been transformative. Molding me with virtues of integrity and resilience. Equipped with all the necessary resources, I am empowered to inspire young people to leverage technology to solve problems in Africa. With a world-class education and these foundational lessons, I am poised to drive financial innovation with technology, ensuring a prosperous future for many.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Profile

David Gameli Agbeko

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

Joining the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program at UofT was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.

After completing my bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, I was uncertain about my next steps. The transition was demanding, pushing me to find direction and purpose amidst a sea of aspirations. Today, I am extremely grateful for the life-changing opportunity offered by the Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program. It has allowed me to pursue my master’s in Financial Insurance, a field that perfectly aligns with my career ambitions. Through this enriching experience, I am building formidable skills and establishing meaningful connections vital for impact and transformation in Africa.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Profile

Paul Agbekpornu

Master Scholar

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

I’m Paul Agbekpornu from Ghana. At the moment, I am pursuing a master’s in financial insurance at the University of Toronto.

After completing risk theory research addressing the pricing of insurance and reinsurance products, I was apprehensive about pursuing a degree that would complement my research. Fortunately, my desire became a reality thanks to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program, and I am gaining a strong academic curiosity and sense of purpose at UofT. The extensive training, I am receiving in data science is broadening my knowledge and skills in financial insurance. My scholastic career has begun to shift and reshape thanks to the Mastercard Foundation grant.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Financial Insurance (MFI)
Profile

Emmanuella Nana Debreh Twumwaa Akowuah

Master Scholar

University of Toronto

One of the most enriching experiences was the opportunity to engage in a vibrant and diverse academic community.

The scholarship not only provided financial support but also opened doors to various academic and extracurricular activities that have enhanced my experience at the University. Networking opportunities with fellow scholars and professors allowed me to connect with leading experts in my discipline and gain insights into the latest developments in the field. These interactions were invaluable for both my academic and professional growth.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Kuol Maper Alier

Master Scholar

Moi University

My name is Kuol Maper Alier from South Sudan. I am deeply honored to be a scholar of the Mastercard Scholarship program at the esteemed University of Toronto, currently pursuing Executive Master of Health Informatics program. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for this invaluable opportunity, enriching my education and connecting me with a community dedicated to global positive change. 

I am energized by the prospect of spearheading the development and implementation of a digital health system in South Sudan. This endeavor holds the potential to alleviate the burden of chronic diseases, elevating overall healthcare access and quality. My aspiration is to leverage my education and experiences, collaborating with healthcare stakeholders and technology experts to create a sustainable solution to advancing digital health systems in South Sudan.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Kenya
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Health informatics Executive (EMHI)
Profile

Wisdom Mawuenyefia Amenyo

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

In my vision for Africa’s youth, positivity reigns, and ground-breaking ideas are the norm.

I see a future where avenues for talent, knowledge, and skills flourish, particularly in health, education, and energy. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, I’m on the path to becoming a frontline changemaker, contributing to these transformative avenues. The satisfaction lies in collaborating with interdisciplinary, impact-driven individuals united by the goal of uplifting Africa. The Scholar experience goes beyond academics, instilling professionalism, social responsibility, and robust networking. Embarking on my MEng in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Mechanics, and Clinical Engineering Instrumentation, feels like turning dreams into reality. The support and coaching from colleagues, faculty, and administration create a nurturing environment that ensures dreams become tangible achievements.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Canada
Ghana
Programs
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Biomedical Engineering
Profile

Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh

Master Scholar

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

I am Emmanuella Seyram Avornyoh from Ghana. I graduated from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where I was introduced to the broader discipline of Biological Sciences. Following my B.Sc., I served my mandatory National Service at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), where my interest in Public Health-related research was stimulated.

Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars program, my goal of pursuing further studies has become a reality. I am currently taking an MPH in environmental health at U of T which completely aligns with my long-term career ambition of becoming a professor and a researcher in the field.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mastercard and the University of Toronto for their generosity in admitting and funding my colleagues and me. I haven’t done much with the program yet, but based on the quality of the tuition, it already appears to be highly beneficial. I am convinced that the time I am investing in this program will help me become an innovator in the field of environmental health.

Profile Type
Scholar
Countries
Ghana
Canada
Programs
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Mastercard Foundation Masters Scholar program
Occupational and Environmental Health