The MTN Ghana Foundation, in collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS), has officially broken ground for the construction of a GHS 9.7 million ultra-modern Student Resource Centre on the UDS Tamale campus—an initiative set to transform digital learning, STEM education, and artificial intelligence training for young people in the Northern Region.
The sod-cutting ceremony marks a significant step in the Foundation’s mission to enhance digital literacy and technological readiness among Ghanaian students. The project, expected to be completed within eight months, will serve as a strategic centre for hands-on learning, digital innovation, and professional development for both UDS students and learners from other institutions across the region.
The new facility will feature a fully equipped computer laboratory with 70 laptops, robotics tools, and state-of-the-art video conferencing systems linked directly to the UDS Nyankpala Campus. It will also provide access to world-class digital courses through the MTN Skills Academy platform, creating opportunities for students to acquire relevant skills in coding, AI, research, and technology-driven problem-solving. Additionally, the centre will be open to non-UDS learners in the region who wish to register and benefit from digital skills training.
Speaking at the ceremony, Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasized the pressing need to prepare Ghana’s youth for a fast-changing digital future. He noted that with 57% of the country’s population under age 25, strategic investments in digital education are essential to addressing the nation’s youth unemployment challenges.
“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,” Mr. Kuzoe said. “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 further pointed out that although Ghana’s internet penetration rate stands at 69.8%, and national initiatives like the “One Million Coders” programme continue to support digital capacity-building, many young people still lack access to practical training facilities—making this project a timely intervention.
Representing the University, Professor Muniru Alhassan, Dean of the UDS Nyankpala Campus, praised MTN Ghana Foundation for its consistent support for education and capacity development. He described the upcoming centre as a pivotal hub that will strengthen both the technical and social intelligence of students.
“The world of work is changing rapidly, and this facility provides our students with the competitive edge they need to blend theory with practice and meet job market demands,” he said. “This centre will foster innovation, research, and collaborative learning, ensuring that our students are ready for real-world challenges.”
The project forms part of the MTN Ghana Foundation’s Education focus area, which prioritizes capacity building, ICT development, and enhanced learning environments for students and teachers nationwide. The Foundation has over the years established a strong track record of supporting educational institutions with infrastructure, scholarships, and digital learning initiatives.
Upon completion, the UDS Student Resource Centre is expected to become one of the most impactful digital empowerment facilities in the Northern Region—boosting STEM education, artificial intelligence training, digital literacy, and innovation for thousands of young people.
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