In March 2023, the Mastercard Foundation commissioned an investigative audit into the leadership practices at the African Development University (A.D.U.) – a partner under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – following several serious allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds levelled against a senior member of the leadership at A.D.U. The audit has substantiated the allegations.
Considering the seriousness of the audit findings, the Mastercard Foundation will be terminating the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at A.D.U. The Foundation has convened meetings with the Chancellor of A.D.U. and other members of the University’s leadership team to discuss the audit report and next steps.
Ashesi University has agreed to accept the Mastercard Foundation Scholars from A.D.U. The Scholars will be afforded the same resources that came with their Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship at A.D.U., and Ashesi will provide additional support to help the Scholars adjust to a new learning and cultural environment. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars will receive additional information from Ashesi about the next steps.