The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has inaugurated the newly constructed Silver Jubilee Building for the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
The inauguration of the facility was in fulfilment of the promise he made in 2018 during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations.
He handed over the building at a colourful ceremony on Thursday, August 22, 2024 as a gesture that marks a major milestone in the university’s development and the President’s commitment to education in Ghana.
The inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Building, a three-story complex designed to accommodate lecture halls and offices at the UDS, stands as a significant milestone in President Akufo-Addo’s educational agenda.
COMPLETION
President Akufo-Addo, speaking at the ceremony, expressed his pride in the project’s completion, highlighting that the building symbolises much more than just brick and mortar.
“This building represents our collective vision for a brighter future, our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and our dedication to the development of our nation,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.
The President emphasised that the new facility will serve as a hub for innovation and a center for intellectual engagement, greatly enhancing the academic experience for both students and faculty at UDS.
SIGNIFICANCE
In his address, President Akufo-Addo underscored the broader significance of education as a cornerstone of national progress.
He highlighted his government’s substantial investments in the education sector, including a budgetary allocation of GH¢12.88 billion aimed at transforming education in Ghana.
“My government has invested considerable energy and resources into education because we believe it is the most powerful tool for transforming our nation,” the President stated.
He also highlighted the success of the no guarantor policy, which has dramatically improved access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers for students.
RESEARCH
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to research and academia, the President revealed that since 2020, GH¢226 million has been disbursed in research allowances, with an additional GH¢491 million allocated for book allowances.
These investments, he stressed, are vital for creating an environment that fosters scholarly research and innovation.
Looking ahead, President Akufo-Addo encouraged Universities to strengthen their connections with industry, government and communities to ensure that their research and teaching align with the nation’s development goals.
He highlighted the critical role that Universities play in training professionals in various fields, including Science, Engineering, Law and Political Science.
In his concluding remarks, the President called on Ghanaians to support Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 elections, praising his competence, resourcefulness and vision for Ghana’s future.
