Prez Akufo-Addo inaugurates UDS’s new building complex
By Daniel Nonor
The University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale has unveiled its new Silver Jubilee Building marking a significant boost to education infrastructure in the country.
The three-storey complex, which houses state-of-the-art lecture halls and administrative offices, stands as a testament to the university’s growth and commitment to providing top-tier education to its students.
The completion of the project fulfills a pledge made in 2018 during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who officiated the inauguration ceremony, emphasized that the structure represents a shared vision for a brighter future, rooted in the pursuit of knowledge and the development of the nation.
“This building symbolizes our shared vision for a brighter future, our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and our resolve to the development of our country,”
He noted that the new facility will serve as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for intellectual discourse, providing an enhanced academic environment for both students and faculty at UDS.
The Silver Jubilee Building’s completion is a collaborative success, involving the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), UDS’s governing council, faculty, staff, students, and the contractors, Buildex Company Ltd. The President lauded the craftsmanship and commitment evident in every aspect of the building, attributing its success to the collective effort of all stakeholders involved.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo underscored the broader significance of education as a cornerstone of national development. He touted his administration’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 expended considerable energy and resources on the education sector because we recognize that education is the most powerful tool we have to transform our nation,” he asserted.
President Nana Addo also pointed to the No Guarantor Policy, which has played a pivotal role in increasing access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers for students. Since its implementation, the policy has led to a remarkable 60.3% increase in the number of students seeking tertiary education between the 2016/2017 and 2022/2023 academic years. This surge in demand had prompted the government to establish four new universities across the country and expand existing facilities.
Further reinforcing his government’s commitment to research and academia, President Nana Addo revealed that since 2020, GH¢226 million has been disbursed as research allowances, with an additional GH¢491 million allocated as book allowances. These investments, he stressed, are essential for fostering an environment conducive to scholarly investigation and innovation. The President called on universities to strengthen their ties with industry, government, and communities to ensure that their research and teaching are aligned with the nation’s development goals. He emphasized the critical role that universities play in training professionals across various fields, including science, engineering, law, and political science.
