“I don’t like washing. God bless the person who created the washing machine, because it just eases the process,” says Nathaniel Hotonu ’28, whose deep interest in mechatronic engineering revolves around finding convenient solutions to everyday problems. “That’s how I would define what a mechatronic engineer does. He automates processes and makes things less bothersome for end users.”
Nathaniel wasn’t deterred when COVID lockdowns altered his academic plans. He decided to take his time to map out his next steps. He found a role at a solar energy firm in Lagos, Nigeria, that allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of solar energy and to learn the business from multiple angles.
He learned 3D design and helped design alternative structures for clients who had insufficient roof space for solar panels. He also learned the procurement process, including creating quotes for clients, and had the chance to share his ideas about automating lighting systems with the company’s CEO.
In addition to the proximity to home, Ashesi’s focus on entrepreneurship was another factor that drew Nathaniel to the University.
“I like how everyone can be a dreamer. The ability to make those dreams a reality is simply what an entrepreneur does. I’m really looking forward to the role Ashesi will play in bringing my dreams to life.”
Obuya Oloo Tryphone, M’28, first heard about Ashesi’s Master’s in Mechatronic Engineering when some friends who had previously enrolled shared a flyer with him. He went online to do more research, and the detail that struck him the most was on Ashesi’s honour code.
“Even before I found out about the campus environment and facilities, I remember seeing a video of students signing their names on a whiteboard, committing themselves to being honest.”
He was impressed with the idea that integrity and accountability were at the forefront of Ashesi’s mission and was curious to see how these values manifested. After also reading about the visiting faculty from ETH-Zurich and the fact that graduates could obtain a dual master of science (MSc) and master of advanced studies (MAS), he was fully convinced to apply.
Having completed his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, Oloo worked as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Technical University of Kenya. Now back in the classroom as a student, he hopes to fulfil his fascination with practical, hands-on engineering projects.
Beyond the class, Oloo believes it’s important to nurture multiple facets of the self. In the past, he has sought out “thought-oriented” extra-curricular groups that allow participants to engage in philosophical discussions. He is also a big fan of playing pool, as he says, “it helps to develop focus.”
Ashesi University has welcomed 30 students into the fourth cohort of its Mechatronic Engineering master’s programme. Drawn from Ghana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, this year’s group represents 12% of applicants, with 64% being non-Ghanaian and 37% women.
The Mechatronic Engineering graduate programme, now in its fourth year, is offered in partnership with ETH Zurich. This interdisciplinary programme focuses on production and automation, equipping engineering leaders with the skills to advance research and drive the growth of African industry. In addition to technical coursework, students also study decision-making, economics, and management, cultivating a broad skill set essential for leadership.
Students can choose between two- and three-year tracks, earning either a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Mechatronic Engineering. Those in the three-year track also receive a Master of Advanced Studies certificate from ETH Zurich.
When Grace Sawadogo was in high school in Burkina Faso, a friend arrived one morning on a motorised bicycle. Grace was captivated by the simplicity and ingenuity of its design. “Why isn’t anyone making something like this in Burkina Faso?,” she asked herself. Determined to be part of the answer, she began researching what it would take to create such innovations herself. Her exploration led her to mechanical engineering, which she decided to pursue when it came time for university applications.
Grace was also intentional about where she would study. “I wanted to have an African experience,” she explains. “There are top schools all over the world, but I wanted to be in one thatkept me close to my family, and where I could tackle issues directly affecting my community. Ashesi is the perfect place for me.”
Now on campus, Grace has found inspiration in Ashesi’s greenery and environment. “It allows you to reflect and feel more connected to nature,” she says. She is also excited about the opportunity to connect with the diversity of people on campus from across Africa and the world.
“I know that with time, I’ll find my people,” she says.“Even if they’re different from me, we’ll be able to discover common ground.”
Wanjiku Kabiru grew up in Kenya surrounded by friends and family who always supported her ambitions. “It has been essential to my journey to have relatives who inspire me,” she shares. “I feel like that supportive community is what got me here.”
When Wanjiku decided to leave Kenya to complete her A-level coursework at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa, her parents encouraged her. At ALA, she took African Studies courses that deepened her understanding of African history and writing and rhetoric classes that sparked a passion for storytelling. She also learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and was part of a student team that run a business during her second year. Her experiences, for her, perfectly aligned with Ashesi’s curriculum and mission to develop ethical and entrepreneurial leaders.
Her decision to attend Ashesi was also fueled by her desire to explore different regions of the African continent. “I spent eighteen years of my life in East Africa and two years in Southern Africa,” she explained.“Why not four years in West Africa?”
Now at Ashesi, Wanjiku is excited to immerse herself in Ghanaian culture and is eager to learn local languages. She also hopes to continue nurturing her writing skills and explore new interests alongside her academic work. “I went from taking writing and rhetoric classes to writing on my blog every week,” she reflects. “Who knows what will happen in the next four years? Stay tuned!”
“Mummy, I want to go there.” That’s what Esinam Nyamekor remembers her eight-year-old daughter saying when they first saw an Ashesi advert in 2015. Together with her husband John, they had driven up to Ashesi’s campus to grant Nuna Nyamekor ‘28 her wish. The experience—walking through Ashesi’s campus and having a meal at the cafeteria—stuck with Nuna.
Ten years later, as she was graduating from the African Science Academy (ASA) and working with the school counsellor to choose colleges, Ashesi was top of her list. The University had grown significantly since her visit, and so had her conviction about it. In October, while volunteering at ASA to help new students adjust to the school, she received the news: she had been accepted into Ashesi’s Class of 2028 to study Mechanical Engineering.
“I was so happy,” shared Nuna. “It still hasn’t hit me that I’m at Ashesi. Maybe it will when classes start.”
Growing up, Rene Essel ’28 was inspired by the legal profession through a close and personal lens—her mother’s work as a judge. But that was only part of the reason she chose to study Law with Public Policy at Ashesi.
“I was surrounded by law books growing up, so I think I always had a little nudge towards law,” Rene reflects. “But I also realized very early on that I’m passionate about social advocacy, and I wanted to combine those two interests.”
Now a member of Ashesi’s pioneering class of Law with Public Policy students, Rene says her love for reading and public speaking further influenced her decision to pursue this path. An avid reader, she is particularly drawn to African literature and has read almost everything written by acclaimed author Akwaeke Emezi.
“You know, they say if you love to read, then the law is for you,” she says.
Ashesi’s multidisciplinary curriculum was another major draw for Rene. Beyond law, she hopes her time at the university will allow her to explore and nurture a wide array of interests.
“Part of the reason I came to Ashesi is because I saw people here doing amazing things,” she explains. “I want to be the kind of person who inspires someone else. I want a future first-year student to look at me and think, If Rene did it, I can do it too.”
This semester, Ashesi welcomed 406 undergraduate students into the university community. The undergraduate Class of 2028 was selected from a pool of 2,618 applicants, a 17% increase from last year.
With nearly 40% of applications coming from outside Ghana, members of the Class of 2028 represent 23 countries across Africa, Europe, and North America, with 19% being non-Ghanaian students and 7% from displaced communities. The class was also selected from an impressive 171 high schools, making it one of the University’s most diverse yet.
“We continue to see Ashesi becoming a top destination for students,” said Araba Botchway, director of admissions and financial aid. “81% of students we made offers to accepted to join, making for a strong yield for this class.”
Members of Ashesi’s executive team welcome the Class of 2028 as part of their formal induction into the university community.
The Class of 2028 benefits from an expansion in Ashesi’s undergraduate programmes, with new majors in Economics, Mechatronic Engineering, and Law with Public Policy enrolling their pioneer set of first-year students. Nearly half (47%) of the undergraduate cohort are women, with women also making up 41% of students across all four Engineering majors.
Ashesi also continues to deepen efforts to provide access opportunities to students who benefit most from such support. Some 25% of students in the Class of 2028 are paying zero in attendance costs, with scholarships covering tuition, housing, meals, and stipends. Overall, 43% of the class received various forms of financial support, removing barriers for students and families that presented financial constraints.
Ashesi’s Class of 2028 brought sunshine to a cloudy morning as they moved onto campus on Saturday, January 4. Student and staff volunteers were on hand to help incoming students find their way around their new home and connect with their new colleagues and friends.
Family and friends say their goodbyes on Move-In Day.
All hands on deck as student and staff volunteers help new students move into their hostels.
At a goal-setting event led by the University’s Coaching and Counseling Department, students expressed a range of aspirations, from “…invent something that can help people all over the world,” to “…become the best version of myself.”
Students also shared a mix of nerves and eagerness as they navigated the various move-in processes. Twins Nadia ’28 and Nadine ’28, Business Administration and Computer Science majors, respectively, explained that they were excited and overwhelmed at the same time. They had applied together, but were not sure whether they would both get into the Class of 2028. “I’m looking forward to the campus experience, developing leadership skills, and the good, challenging academics,” shared Nadia.
Nadia ’28 (left) and Nadine ’28 Appiah on their first official day on campus.
Parents and guardians also expressed their hopes for the class, as well as some words of wisdom. Imam Abdul-Rauf Hamudu, who accompanied his niece and Computer Science student Adama Baba ’28, said “Education is the key to everything. It’s a blessing to get this opportunity.” His advice to his niece? “I know what she can do, and I believe in her.”
Adama Baba ’28 (second from right) and her family on Move-In Day.
Following Move-In Day, the Class of 2028 participated in a full week of orientation programming to help adjust to campus life and start learning about Ashesi’s community. Sessions included those with University President Patrick Awuah, who led a conversation on the Ashesi Way, and with faculty on teaching and learning at Ashesi.
Precious Nyirenda ’28 takes the mic during an orientation session on “the Ashesi Way”
The week culminated in a matriculation ceremony on Friday, January 10, the official induction of Ashesi students. Provost Angela Owusu-Ansah spoke to the incoming students about Ashesi’s key tenets of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship, encouraging students to be open-minded and to think about how they may live out these values in every aspect of their journeys as students at Ashesi. The event also included a ceremony during which the incoming Ashesi Student Council President, Sam Yussif ‘26, led the students to drink out of calabashes as a symbolic gesture representing their formal induction as Ashesi students.
“We encourage you to embrace fresh and new thinking. You are so fortunate to have such an array of different countries represented in your classroom, in addition to the different learnings you’re going to do and the discipline you signed up for,” the provost said.
Incoming students drink water out of calabashes to symbolise their formal induction into the Ashesi community.
In his address to the class, Dean of Students and Community Affairs Abdul Mahdi emphasized that growth lies on the other side of any experiences they might face over the next few years at Ashesi.
“The education you receive here is a powerful dynamic toolbox that ensures that you will be able to meet any challenge or opportunity in the future,’ he shared. “While we expert you to be versatile and utilize the toolbox with creativity and flexibility, we encourage you to be inflexible with your values. Whatever you do, wherever you are, be a man or woman of integrity.”
Dr. Sangu Delle has been elected as Chairperson of Ashesi University’s Board of Directors. A member of the board since 2018, Dr. Delle takes over from Dr. Yaw Asare-Aboagye, who served as Chairperson from 2020 to 2024 and will continue to serve as a member of the board. In addition to serving as Chairperson, he also serves on the board’s Finance Committee and chairs the Audit and Risk, and Legal Committees.
Dr. Delle is Chairman of CarePoint, a tech forward healthcare system operating across Africa, focused on building the continent’s healthcare future. In this role he leads the global operations, spearheads fundraising and investor relations, heads CarePoint’s Investment Committee, and oversees all global offices.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Yaw Asare-Aboagye, for his exceptional service and leadership,” shared Dr. Delle. “His dedication has left a lasting impact, and I hope to build on the strong foundation he has laid. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to collaborating with Patrick Awuah and the entire Ashesi community as we strive for excellence and innovation in education.”
Dr. Delle has had previous work experience at Valiant Capital Partners, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs. He also serves on the Board of Directors and advisory boards of multiple global institutions, including mPharma, Andela, Harvard Medical School’s Global Health and Service Advisory Council, and Harvard’s Center for African Studies.
Dr. Delle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Highest Honors) in African Studies and Economics from Harvard College, a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University, and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. He also graduated with a PhD in Economic Anthropology and African Studies from the University of Birmingham. He holds an Executive Education Certificate in Leadership from Oxford University’s Saïd School of Business and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Sangu is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the District of Columbia.
How do you turn an idea into a thriving venture while balancing classes and real-world challenges? At the ACE Business Diaries, three inspiring student entrepreneurs took center stage to share their journeys, hard-won lessons, and practical strategies with over 60 of their peers.
Through candid storytelling, the panelists reflected on what inspired their businesses, the obstacles they faced, and the strategies that fueled their growth. From balancing academics with managing ventures to navigating funding hurdles, their experiences offered relatable advice and tangible takeaways for aspiring student entrepreneurs.
The spotlight shone on:
Nana Kwadwo Osei Nyarko, co-founder of 1NRI, a Christian fashion brand blending faith and fashion to inspire purpose-driven living.
Beryll Mina Bampoe Addo, founder of Mina Minks, a lash business providing beauty services to young women on campus.
Salia Abdallah, founder and CEO of Farmitecture, an agricultural venture advancing vertical hydroponic farming for sustainable food production.
The event’s interactive format encouraged students to engage directly—asking thoughtful questions and gaining clarity on starting, sustaining, and scaling their ideas. This open exchange of insights made entrepreneurship feel relatable, accessible, and achievable.
As the session drew to a close, the entrepreneurial spirit came to life. Students showed their support by purchasing products, booking services, and connecting with the featured entrepreneurs—highlighting the power of collaboration and community in driving innovation.
The ACE Business Diaries reaffirms Ashesi’s commitment to cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship—where bold ideas are celebrated, challenges fuel growth, and students are empowered to take the first steps toward building ventures that matter.
Ashesi senior and study-abroad student at UC Berkeley Innocent Chikwanda ’25 was named the first-prize and People’s Choice Award winner at Berkeley’s Collider Cup XV. The Collider Cup, Berkeley’s premier student startup pitch competition hosted by the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, is a biannual showcase that highlights novel solutions to pressing global challenges—from disaster relief to sustainability. It brings together industry professionals, faculty, students, staff, and members of the broader community.
Chikwanda’s venture, 1village, is designed to connect college students and young professionals in Africa within a community marketplace that allows them to share items they may need only temporarily—such as dorm-room accessories, learning tools, or special-occasion attire—instead of buying them outright. The goal is to make these resources more affordable and reduce excessive production that often leads to waste. 1village builds on the concept of Chariot, a non-profit venture Chikwanda started in his sophomore year at Ashesi, which focused on enabling technology access in rural parts of Africa.
A Trust-Based Marketplace
“Someone close by has something you need, and a lot of the time it’s just sitting around,” explains Chikwanda. “For example, I may have an event next month and want a suit just for that occasion. Instead of buying a suit that I may not wear again for many months, I could rent one from a classmate and return it.”
Central to 1village is the trust-based ecosystem it creates. Users join specific “villages,” such as a university community, and are verified by official email addresses. Additional financial safeguards—such as security deposits or microinsurance—help ensure accountability. By the time Chikwanda took the stage at Collider Cup, 1village had already drawn more than 100 users through a three-week pilot launched on WhatsApp at UC Berkeley’s International House.
Christmas on the Hill A festive end-of-year celebration featuring activities, music, and community bonding. This event brings together students, faculty, and staff to share in the holiday spirit before the break.
