President inaugurates UDS ‘Silver Jubilee Building’

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday inaugurated a new three-storey complex for the Univer­sity for Development Studies (UDS) Nyankpala campus in the Tolon Dis­trict of the Northern Region.

The “Silver Jubilee Building” proj­ect was a commitment made by the President during the university’s 25th anniversary about seven years ago.

Executed by the Ghanaian con­struction firm, Builders Company Limited, the project includes offices for lecturers and additional lecture halls, meant to enhance the existing facilities to support academic work.

At the ceremony in Nyakpala, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advanc­ing educational infrastructure across the country.

He stated that the Silver Jubilee Building would significantly improve the space available for effective teach­ing and learning, enabling students to excel in their studies and research.

The President said that his gov­ernment had invested heavily in the education sector, recognising it as the key to socio-economic development and national transformation.

He described the Silver Jubi­lee Building as a testament to the Akufo-Addo administration’s dedica­tion to advancing education in Ghana.

“I vividly remember making this pledge during the university’s 25th an­niversary. Today, I am proud to have fulfilled that promise. As President, it is crucial to earn and maintain the trust of Ghanaians,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo noted that fulfilling promises was not merely about completing projects, but about upholding the trust placed in him by demonstrating commitment to his pledges.

He described the building as more than just a physical structure, saying “it symbolises a shared vision for a brighter future, a commitment to knowledge, and the development of the country.”

He highlighted that the building would serve as a catalyst for innova­tion, a hub for intellectual discourse, and a breeding ground for future leaders.

He said education was the corner­stone of national development and that institutions like UDS was vital for building a prosperous and inclusive society.

“As we look to the future, let us continue to invest in education at all levels, ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” he said.

The President mentioned that an educated population was essential for a “thriving democracy, a vibrant econ­omy, and a strong society.”

He cited policies such as the No Guarantor policy, which had im­proved access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers and opened doors for many students who might not have had the chance to pur­sue higher education otherwise.

He noted that the number of students seeking tertiary education increased from 443,978 in the 2016-2017 academic year to 711,695 in the 2020-2023 academic year, reflecting a 60.3 per cent increase.

In response to this growing de­mand, he said the government had established four new universities in Mampong (Ashanti Region), Akro­die (Ahafo Region), Bunso (Eastern Region), and Kintampo (Bono East Region), and expanded facilities at existing institutions.

Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice-Chancellor of UDS, commended the President for fulfilling his promise and assured that the building would be used effectively to enhance teach­ing and learning at the university.

 FROM YAHAYA NUHU NADAA, NYAKPALA