A former Rastafarian student of the Achimota Secondary School, Tyrone Iras Marhguy, who generated controversy for wearing dreadlocks to school, has received a full scholarship to pursue computer engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in the US.

Marhguy disclosed his achievement on social media on Wednesday, August 28. He noted that he also received offers from three other universities abroad. The four scholarship offers he received totalled an amount of $1.4 million meant to cater for his education for the next four years.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been awarded a full scholarship to pursue computer engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Joining the class of 2028 as a proud Quaker, this incredible opportunity comes after carefully considering breathtaking offers from #upenn, #duke, #Williams, and #F&M, all totalling $1.4 million over the next four years!,” he wrote.

The Rastafarian students; Oheneba Nkrabea and Tyrone Marhguy, became a subject of discussion after Achimota Secondary School denied them admission due to their dreadlocks.

Achimota School argued that its guidelines do not allow students to wear dreadlocks and maintained that the two Rastafarian students would only be given admission if they cut off their dreadlocks.

Both students later filed a suit against Achimota Secondary School. However, in a court ruling on May 31, 2021,, Achimota School was ordered to admit Marhguy and Ohene Nkrabea.

Fast forward to 2023, and Marhguy scored straight 8A’s in his final WASSCE exam and proceeded to take SAT exams.

Reflecting on his experience and past challenges, Marhguy expressed gratitude to his parents for their relentless fight and support to ensure Achimota admits him.

He further expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his college application and coached and mentored him for his SAT.

“I owe immense gratitude to my family, especially my father, Mr. Tereo Marhguy, for his relentless support and sacrifice. To my mother, Mrs. Dorcas Fremarhguy, and my amazing sisters, Amrita Marhguy and Nikita Marhguy, thank you for being my rock and my inspiration.