Nii Ofori-Quaye, a Ghanaian student studying at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Moscow, Russia, has made history by becoming the first non-European to win the first place in the 71st edition of the Science and Innovation Awards. The contest, which was held on April 20, 2023, featured more than 100 projects from students of different disciplines and countries.
Ofori-Quaye’s project model focused on customer relations management, using artificial intelligence and data analysis to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. He explained that his project aimed to help businesses understand their customers better and offer them personalized solutions. He said that he was inspired by his own experience as a customer and a business owner.
“I have always been interested in how businesses can use technology to enhance their performance and competitiveness. I also run a small online shop that sells Ghanaian products to people in Russia and other countries. I wanted to find a way to connect with my customers more effectively and increase their trust and loyalty,” he said.
Ofori-Quaye said that he was surprised and honored to win the contest, which he described as a challenging and rewarding experience. He said that he faced stiff competition from other talented students, who presented innovative projects on various topics such as renewable energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, and aerospace engineering.
“I learned a lot from the contest, not only about science and innovation, but also about teamwork, communication, and presentation skills. I also made new friends and networked with other students and professors from different fields and backgrounds. It was a great opportunity to showcase my project and get feedback from experts,” he said.
Ofori-Quaye said that he hopes his achievement will inspire other Ghanaian students to pursue their dreams and passions in science and technology. He said that he is proud to represent his country and culture in Russia, where he has been studying for four years. He said that he plans to continue his education and research in customer relations management, and eventually start his own company that will provide innovative solutions for businesses.
“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and blessing me with this talent. I also want to thank my family, friends, teachers, mentors, and sponsors for their support and encouragement. I dedicate this award to all the Ghanaian students who are studying hard and making a difference in their communities and the world,” he said.
Ofori-Quaye’s achievement has been widely celebrated by the Ghanaian community in Russia, as well as by the Ghanaian Embassy in Moscow, which issued a statement congratulating him for his outstanding performance. The statement also praised NUST for providing quality education and fostering international cooperation in science and technology.
Dominic Damoah is a name that resonates with innovation and determination. He emerged onto the world stage by achieving what was once deemed improbable. At the tender age of 14, this exceptional young talent etched his name in history by gaining admission into Valley View University in Ghana, an achievement previously believed to be reserved for older, more experienced scholars.
His remarkable journey began in the US, where he attended Sylvester Elementary School in Berrien Springs, Michigan. In 2008, his family decided to move back to Ghana, where he faced challenges adjusting to a new school system. He was allowed into a seventh-grade class at a school that did not yet have a sixth-grade. He struggled at first, but with the help of his teacher and a fellow student, he improved and passed his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
While waiting for the start of Senior High School, he discovered a treasure trove of software engineering books left behind by his father, who was a professor of computer science at Valley View University. He developed a passion for computer science and learned various programming languages such as Java, HTML, and PHP. His father encouraged him to apply to the university’s Department of Computer Science for the American High School Diploma programme. He reasoned that if he completed the two-semester course, he could still join his peers in high school. Continue reading about Dominic here.