Josiah
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially inaugurated the newly constructed Silver Jubilee Building at the University for Development Studies (UDS), marking a significant milestone in the university’s growth and underscoring the President’s dedication to education in Ghana.
The Silver Jubilee Building, a three-story complex designed to accommodate lecture halls and offices, fulfills a promise made by President Akufo-Addo during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2018. At the inauguration, the President expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the building, highlighting that it represents more than just a physical structure.
“This building stands as a symbol of our shared vision for a brighter future, our dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, and our commitment to national development,” President Akufo-Addo remarked. He noted that the facility will serve as a hub for innovation and intellectual discourse, significantly enhancing the academic environment for both students and faculty at UDS.
The President extended his gratitude to everyone involved in the project, including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), UDS’s governing council, faculty, staff, students, and the contractors, Buildex Company Ltd. He praised their dedication and craftsmanship, evident in every aspect of the new building.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of education as a foundation for national development. He highlighted the substantial investments his government has made in the education sector, including a budget allocation of GH¢12.88 billion aimed at transforming education in Ghana.
“My government has devoted significant energy and resources to the education sector because we understand that education is the most powerful tool for transforming our nation,” the President stated.
He also mentioned the success of the No Guarantor Policy, which has greatly improved access to tertiary education by removing financial barriers for students. The policy has resulted in a 60.3% increase in the number of students pursuing higher education between the 2016/2017 and 2022/2023 academic years. This surge in demand has led the government to establish four new universities across the country and expand existing facilities.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to research and academia, revealing that since 2020, GH¢226 million has been disbursed as research allowances, with an additional GH¢491 million allocated for book allowances. These investments, he stressed, are vital for creating an environment conducive to scholarly inquiry and innovation.
Looking ahead, President Akufo-Addo called on universities to strengthen their partnerships with industry, government, and communities to ensure that their research and teaching align with the nation’s development goals. He emphasized the crucial role that universities play in training professionals across various fields, including science, engineering, law, and political science.
In his closing remarks, the President urged Ghanaians to support Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 elections, praising his competence, resourcefulness, and vision for Ghana’s future.
The inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Building not only fulfills a promise made by President Akufo-Addo but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in UDS’s history, serving as a reminder of the collective effort needed to build a brighter future for Ghana.
