The MTN Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the University for Development Studies (UDS), has officially broken ground for the construction of a modern Student Resource Centre on the Tamale campus.

The initiative marks a major step forward in advancing digital learning, STEM education and artificial intelligence training for students in the Northern Region.

The UDS Student Resource Centre is expected to help bridge the digital gap by equipping students with the technical skills and practical training needed for today’s digital economy, while fostering collaborations between academia and the wider community.

The GH¢9.7 million facility, scheduled for completion in eight months, will provide UDS students and visiting learners from other institutions with state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, including:

• A fully equipped computer lab with 70 laptops, robotics tools and video conferencing facilities linked to UDS Nyankpala Campus.
• Access to courses through the MTN Skills Academy platform.
• Modern digital learning spaces are designed to foster innovation and collaboration.
• Provide opportunities for non-UDS students in the region to register and benefit from digital skills training.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasised the significance of the initiative in addressing Ghana’s youth unemployment challenge while harnessing the potential of its youthful population.

He said, “With 57% of Ghana’s population under the age of 25, this project directly responds to the urgent need for skills development to prepare young people for opportunities in the digital world.

Although Ghana’s internet penetration rate currently stands at 69.8%, and government initiatives such as the “One Million Coders” program (moc.gov.gh) are underway, youth unemployment remains a challenge.

“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.

"By providing access to modern digital tools and training, we are empowering our youth to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital economy”, he added.

Professor Muniru Alhassan, Dean at the UDS Nyankpala Campus, expressed his gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation for coming to the aid of the University with the construction of the facility.

He went on to describe the centre as a one-stop hub for nurturing both technical and social intelligence.

“The world of work is changing rapidly, and this facility provides our students with the competitive edge needed to blend theory with practice and meet job market demands”, he said.

This project falls under the Education focus area of the MTN Ghana Foundation.

The Foundation remains committed to investing in interventions that enhance capacity building and improve learning efficiencies for both teachers and students.