The MTN Ghana Foundation has cut sod for the construction of a multi-purpose Student Resource Centre at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus, to enhance digital learning and skills development.
The facility, estimated at GHS 9.7 million and scheduled for completion within eight months, will serve as a hub for STEM education, digital skills training, and artificial intelligence development. It will be accessible not only to UDS students but also to learners across the Northern Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, said the initiative represents a transformative journey toward equipping Ghana’s youth with the skills to thrive in the digital era.
“Today, we are not just laying the foundation for a building; we are laying the foundation for a future where Ghana’s youth are equipped with the skills and opportunities to lead in the digital age,” he stated.
Mr. Kuzoe noted that Africa has the youngest population in the world, with Ghana recording nearly 57% of its people under the age of 25. While this offers a tremendous opportunity, he emphasized the urgent need for targeted skills training, especially as youth unemployment among Ghanaians aged 15–24 stood at 23.7% in 2023.
He highlighted Ghana’s progress in digital education initiatives, such as the “One Million Coders” programme, and stressed that with internet penetration at 69.8%, the country is well-placed to drive innovation in digital learning.
Prof. Muhammed Muniru Iddrisu, Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, recounted how the project evolved from an initial idea of creating a social space for students into a cutting-edge digital resource centre.
“The MTN Ghana Foundation challenged us to think bigger and to aim higher. The result is a future-ready facility with a state-of-the-art Skills Laboratory that will serve over 30,000 users,” he explained.
Dr. Umar Haruna, Dean of Students, added that the shift in focus was a strategic decision to align with modern educational needs such as AI and robotics. He praised MTN Ghana Foundation for its collaborative approach, which included scoping visits, reviews, and adjustments to ensure resources were channeled into equipping the centre with advanced technology.
The project is funded at over USD 615,000 and marks a milestone partnership between academia and the private sector in addressing youth unemployment and preparing students for opportunities in the digital economy.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
