UDS to Get State-of-the-Art ICT and AI Training Centre Through MTN Ghana Foundation Support

The MTN Ghana Foundation has partnered with the University for Development Studies (UDS) to construct a state-of-the-art Student Resource Centre on the Tamale campus, a project expected to significantly advance digital education, STEM learning, and artificial intelligence training for students in the Northern Region.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the UDS campus, marked the official commencement of the GHS 9.7 million project, which is scheduled for completion within eight months. The modern training facility is designed to bridge the digital skills gap by providing students with practical tools and resources needed to compete in the fast-evolving global technology ecosystem.

Once completed, the ultra-modern centre will feature a fully equipped computer laboratory with 70 laptops, robotics equipment, and advanced video conferencing systems linked to the UDS Nyankpala Campus. It will also provide access to digital courses through the MTN Skills Academy platform and include modern collaborative learning spaces to support innovation, research, and teamwork. Importantly, the centre will be open to non-UDS students in the region who wish to register and benefit from digital skills training.

Speaking at the event, Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, underscored the critical importance of the centre in addressing youth unemployment by preparing young Ghanaians for opportunities in the digital world.

“With 57% of Ghana’s population under the age of 25, this project responds directly to the urgent need for practical digital skills development,” he said. “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.”

Mr. Kuzoe also highlighted that despite Ghana’s internet penetration rate of 69.8% and government-backed programmes such as the “One Million Coders” initiative, youth unemployment remains a national concern—adding that interventions like the UDS Student Resource Centre are timely and necessary.

Representing the University, Professor Muniru Alhassan, Dean of UDS Nyankpala Campus, expressed gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation for supporting the institution’s digital transformation agenda. He described the upcoming centre as a one-stop hub designed to nurture both technical competence and social intelligence among 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 evolving job market demands,” he noted. “This centre will boost research, innovation, and skills development across the university and beyond.”

The project is one of MTN Ghana Foundation’s key educational interventions aimed at enhancing capacity building and improving learning outcomes for students and teachers nationwide. Over the years, the Foundation has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, scholarships, teaching tools, and community learning initiatives.

When completed, the UDS Student Resource Centre is expected to serve as a major digital empowerment hub for young people across the Northern Region, fostering innovation, collaboration, and readiness for future technologies.

End.