Updated August 31, 2023 - Early in 2023, serious allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of funds were levelled against a senior member of the leadership at the African Development University (A.D.U.).
This resulted in an audit commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation and pausing the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 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 will work with Ashesi University, another Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Partner, to enable the Mastercard Foundation Scholars to continue their education.
March 18, 2023 – The Mastercard Foundation is aware of serious allegations related to leadership practices at the African Development University (A.D.U.), a partner under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The Foundation is deeply concerned by the issues raised and has commissioned an independent investigation to establish the facts and inform its next steps.
The Foundation’s priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and the student body. The Foundation has asked that the African Development University pause the recruitment of a new cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars until our investigation is complete and the well-being of the student body is assured.
The Foundation remains committed to positively impacting the communities and young people reached through our programs.