The MTN Ghana Foundation has officially cut sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art Multipurpose Student Resource Center at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale campus. The initiative, valued at GHC 9.7 million (approximately $615,000), is fully funded by the Foundation and marks a significant investment in the future of digital education in Ghana.
The facility is designed to serve as a hub for digital learning, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) training.
With a projected completion timeline of twelve months, the center will feature modern digital learning tools accessible to all UDS students across its campuses, with the capacity to serve over 30,000 users.
The Multipurpose Student Resource Center will include, a dedicated digital lab equipped with 70 laptops, Robotic kits and AI training equipment, video conferencing facilities linked to other UDS campuses.
The center will have access to MTN’s Skills Academy courses at no cost and training opportunities for students from other educational institutions
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, Mr. Kuzo, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment through digital innovation.
“At MTN Ghana Foundation, we believe that by providing access to modern digital tools and training, we are empowering our youth to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital economy,” Mr. Kuzo stated.
He further explained that the facility would be fully integrated into UDS’s operations to ensure long-term sustainability.
The center will also provide workforce-readiness training programs developed in collaboration with local technical experts to help bridge the gap between academia and industry.
“Our vision is to blend the academic world with the community to foster meaningful interactions and provide future generations with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy,” he added.
Professor Muniru Iddrisu, Dean of Students at UDS Nyankpala Campus, expressed his appreciation to MTN Ghana Foundation for believing in the university’s proposal and helping bring the vision to life.
“We are not just here to break ground; we are here to plant a seed. A seed of innovation, opportunity, and hope for the future of our students, our university, and the entire region,” Professor Muniru stated.
The concept for the resource center was initially proposed in 2023 by former Dean of Students, Professor Alhassan Musah, and was strongly supported by the university’s administration.
According to Professor Muniru, the center will serve as a dynamic digital hub for 21st-century learning, an innovation center and a conference facility that will foster mentorship and collaboration between students and industry professionals.
“This project is a direct response to UDS’s core mandate: blending theory with practice. Through this center, we aim to transform students from consumers of information into creative problem solvers,” he said.
Professor Muniru assured stakeholders that the university has developed a sustainability model to ensure the center’s long-term impact. This includes integration into UDS’s core operations, ensure regular maintenance and access for the wider community.
He also revealed that the university plans to offer training programs to secondary schools and other institutions for a fee, further extending the center’s reach and influence.
’’The realization of this center he said is a testament to what can be achieved when the private sector joint hands with a common goa’’, project Professor Muniru said.
