From Beer Bar to UHAS: How an NSMQ T-shirt changed the life of a former contestant

Jennifer Anaale Apingu first gained national recognition when she represented Navrongo Senior High School at the 2022 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), one of Ghana's most prestigious academic competitions.

However, behind her academic achievements was a difficult struggle, while in SHS, she worked as a porter, widely known as "Kayaye" to support her education.

She subsequently completed SHS with an impressive grade of five As, two Bs and one C, but due to financial challenges she couldn't immediately continue her education.

NSMQ star Francisca Lamini graduates from Harvard with highest honours

Jennifer took up a job as an attendant at a drinking spot in Navrongo to make ends meet, while holding on to her dream of attending university.

Her story changed unexpectedly when some patrons at the drinking spot noticed her wearing an NSMQ T-shirt while serving customers.

They were astonished to find a former NSMQ contestant working as a bar attendant, they engaged her in conversation and learned about her academic brilliance and circumstances.

Touched by her story, they reached out to investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni through social media.

Through a fundraising initiative organised during his birthday celebration, support was mobilised to help Jennifer pursue her university education after spending years at home due to financial constraints.

The support enabled her to secure admission to the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), where she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Jennifer has since distinguished herself academically at the university. Her outstanding performance in the End of Second Semester Examinations for the 2023/2024 academic year earned her special recognition from the School of Pharmacy.

In a congratulatory letter dated October 25, 2024, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Professor Kwame Ohene Buabeng, commended her exceptional achievement.

"At the recent Examiners Board meeting held on Monday, October 21, 2024, your performance in the End of Second Semester Examinations of the 2023/2024 Academic Year was noticed to be outstanding.

"I, therefore, write on behalf of the Management of the School and my behalf to congratulate you on your academic excellence and encourage you to continue working hard to become one of the best pharmacists in the country and beyond," it noted.

Jennifer is currently in her third year at UHAS and continues to inspire many young Ghanaians with her story of perseverance.

See the UHAS letter below

JKB/VPO

Mahama rejects third term push at closed door meeting with NDC elders:

TWI NEWS