The MTN Ghana Foundation has cut sod for the construction of a GH¢9.7 million multipurpose students’ resource centre at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, a project aimed at advancing digital learning and innovation.
The eight-month project, fully financed by MTN, is expected to become a hub for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, artificial intelligence training, and digital skills development.
The facility will house a 70-seater computer laboratory, robotics equipment, video conferencing facilities, a 100-seater hall, and provide access to digital courses through the MTN Skills Academy platform.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, said the centre would not only be integrated into UDS operations but also made accessible to other institutions across the region.
“Through partnerships with technical experts and local schools, the centre will offer training programmes that bridge the gap between education and empowerment, fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the future,” he said.
Kuzoe emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader digital education strategy, particularly the One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to drive innovation and prepare young people with skills for the digital economy.
Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, who represented the UDS Vice-Chancellor, described the project as a direct response to the university’s mandate of blending theory with practice.
He said the centre would empower students to become problem-solvers and innovators.
“Ultimately, we will produce graduates who are not only job seekers but also job creators and leaders in the digital economy,” Prof Muniru noted.
He expressed appreciation to MTN for the investment and urged students to seize the opportunity when the facility is completed.
“This centre is for you. It is an investment in your potential. We challenge you to embrace it, maximise its offerings, and use it as a launchpad for your dreams,” he told the students.
The centre, once completed, is expected to become a model digital education hub in northern Ghana, providing a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of future-ready graduates.