Pan-Atlantic University, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, hosted an inspiring storytelling and leadership session for its Mastercard Foundation Scholars on 26 September 2026. The event formed part of the ongoing Leadership Programme for Cohort 2 and brought together scholars for a day of reflection, peer learning, and purposeful storytelling.
Drawing on the case study titled The Invisible Man, Edidiong Ikpoto challenged scholars to recognise the power of small actions and the principle that leadership starts with each individual. The key lesson emphasised was that silence and inaction in the face of a peer’s struggle can have serious consequences, and that every scholar has a responsibility to notice, reach out, and support one another rather than assuming someone else will help.
Scholars then moved into a structured group activity. The Mastercard Foundation representative encouraged participants to share their own personal experiences and achievements through storytelling. They were advised to intentionally weave the Foundation’s core values, inclusivity, integrity, and commitment to community impact into their narratives. The session emphasised that authentically showcasing these values not only inspires others but also increases visibility and opens doors to meaningful networking and collaboration.
The programme featured a dynamic mix of activities that included interactive facilitation sessions merging key leadership themes, question-and-answer segments, an experiential activity, peer learning and group presentations by the scholars, an interactive quiz testing knowledge of the Mastercard Foundation’s goals and values, lively group discussions, and a photo session that captured memorable moments of the day.
This storytelling initiative reaffirms Pan-Atlantic University’s strong partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and its commitment to developing a community of scholars who are not only academically excellent but also socially conscious leaders ready to make a positive difference in society.