President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned a state-of-the-art Multipurpose Building, at the Nyankpala Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS). The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday, 22nd August 2024, amidst a gathering of university officials, government representatives, and the paramount chiefs and community leaders.

The new Silver Jubilee Building, a significant addition to the university’s infrastructure, is designed to enhance the academic and administrative functions of the campus. The facility includes lecture halls, administrative offices, research centers, and conference rooms, all equipped with modern technology to support the university's mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation in northern Ghana. The building is set to commence full operations from the 2024/2025 academic year.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, expressed confidence that the Multipurpose Building will greatly contribute to the academic excellence the university aspires to achieve.

Professor Seidu Al-hassa began by expressing his profound gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the government for their unwavering support in the realization of the Multipurpose Building. He acknowledged the importance of the new facility in addressing the pressing needs of the university, particularly in accommodating the increasing student population and enhancing the quality of education offered at UDS.

"The completion of this Multipurpose Building marks a pivotal moment in the history of our university. It is a clear indication of the government's commitment to supporting higher education, particularly here in the Northern Region. This facility will significantly enhance our ability to deliver on our mandate of providing quality education and conducting research that addresses the unique challenges of our region," Professor Al-hassan remarked.

The Vice-Chancellor also spoke about the building's role in supporting UDS's mission of blending academic excellence with community service. He highlighted how the facility, equipped with modern lecture halls, research centers, and administrative offices, would provide a conducive environment for both students and faculty to excel in their academic pursuits.

"This Multipurpose Building is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of our shared commitment to excellence in education. It will serve as a hub for learning, research, and innovation, enabling us to continue producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to the development of our society," he said.

Professor Al-hassan also used the occasion to call on all stakeholders - students, faculty, and administrative staff - to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the new facility. He urged them to work together in ensuring that UDS remains a leading institution in Ghana and beyond.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure nationwide, noting that investments like the Silver Jubilee Building at UDS are part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of education at all levels. He stressed that such investments are essential for equipping the youth with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in a globalized world.

"As a government, we believe that education is the cornerstone of national development. By providing state-of-the-art facilities like this, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future. It is through education that we will unlock the full potential of our youth and enable them to drive the transformation we envision for Ghana," he said.

Dr. Adutwum also spoke about the importance of aligning educational programs with the needs of the job market, particularly in regions like the Northern Region, where the potential for growth and development is immense. He encouraged UDS to continue its focus on practical and community-oriented education, which has been a hallmark of the institution since its inception.

"The unique focus of UDS on practical education and community service is commendable. As we commission this new facility, I urge the university to continue prioritizing programs that are relevant to the needs of our society. Let this building be a hub for innovation, research, and the nurturing of talents that will contribute to the growth of the Northern Region and Ghana as a whole," Dr. Adutwum added.

The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, delivered remarks that highlighted the significance of the new facility for the region and the university community.

He expressed his appreciation to President Akufo-Addo and the government for prioritizing educational development in the Northern Region. He emphasized that the completion of the Multipurpose Building is a major boost to UDS, which plays a crucial role in the socio-economic advancement of the region.

"The Northern Region is proud to host such a prestigious institution as UDS, which continues to be a beacon of hope and progress for our people. This new Multipurpose Building is not just a structure; it represents our collective aspirations for a brighter future," the Minister stated.

Hon. Shaibu also underscored the importance of education in driving development, noting that the new facility would provide a conducive environment for learning, research, and innovation. He encouraged students and faculty to make the most of the opportunities presented by the new building, which he described as a testament to the government's commitment to improving education in the region.

"With this modern facility, UDS is better equipped to deliver quality education and conduct impactful research that addresses the unique challenges of our region. I urge all stakeholders - students, faculty, and administrators - to leverage this resource to elevate the university's standing both locally and internationally," he added.

The Minister concluded by reiterating the government's dedication to continuing its support for UDS and other educational institutions in the Northern Region, with the goal of fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all residents.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo underscored the government's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and promoting higher education in Ghana. He began by congratulating the leadership and staff of UDS for their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and their role in driving development in northern Ghana. He acknowledged the university's contributions to national growth, particularly in producing graduates equipped to tackle the unique challenges faced by the region.

"The University for Development Studies has always been at the forefront of advancing education and development in the northern sector of our country. The commissioning of this Multipurpose Building is a clear demonstration of our shared vision to equip our young people with the knowledge and skills needed to lead our nation's transformation," the President remarked.

Highlighting the importance of the new facility, President Akufo-Addo noted that the Multipurpose Building would significantly enhance the university's capacity to deliver quality education. He emphasized that the government views investments in educational infrastructure as critical to the nation's long-term development goals.

"This state-of-the-art facility will not only provide a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research but will also serve as a catalyst for innovation and creativity. It is through such investments that we can nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will drive Ghana's progress," he said.

The President also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting higher education across the country, citing the construction of similar facilities in other universities as part of a broader strategy to improve access to quality education. He urged the students and faculty of UDS to make full use of the new building, ensuring that it contributes to the university's mission of fostering development through education.

"As we commission this Multipurpose Building today, I encourage you all - students, lecturers, and administrators - to take ownership of this facility. Let it inspire you to strive for greater heights in your academic and professional pursuits. The future of our nation depends on the quality of education we provide today," President Akufo-Addo concluded.

The President's remarks were met with applause, as the gathering of dignitaries, university officials, and students expressed their appreciation for the government's support in enhancing the educational landscape of the Northern Region.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the new facility, where the President and other dignitaries were given an overview of the building's features and potential impact on the university community.

The commissioning of the Multipurpose Building marks a significant milestone in the development of the UDS Nyankpala Campus, reinforcing the university's status as a pivotal institution in the educational landscape of Ghana.

Story by:
(Abdul Hayi Moomen)