President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Building at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale on Thursday, August 22.
This new three-storey complex, designed for lecture halls and offices, marks a significant milestone in the university’s growth and reflects the President’s dedication to advancing education in Ghana.
The Silver Jubilee Building fulfills a promise made by President Akufo-Addo during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2018.
At the inauguration, the President expressed his pride in the completed structure, describing it as a symbol of their collective vision for a brighter future, commitment to knowledge, and national development.
He emphasized that the building will foster innovation and intellectual discourse, greatly benefiting the academic community at UDS.
President Akufo-Addo thanked everyone involved in the project, including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the university’s governing council, faculty, staff, students, and contractors Buildex Company Ltd. He commended their dedication and craftsmanship.
In his speech, the President also highlighted the broader importance of education for national development, noting the substantial investments his government has made in the sector, including a GH¢12.88 billion budget allocation aimed at transforming education in Ghana.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also highlighted the success of the No Guarantor Policy, which has greatly increased access to tertiary education by eliminating financial barriers for students.
This policy has resulted in a 60.3% rise in the number of students pursuing higher education between the 2016/2017 and 2022/2023 academic years.
In response to this growing demand, the government has established four new universities and expanded existing facilities.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to research and academia, noting that since 2020, GH¢226 million has been allocated for research allowances and an additional GH¢491 million for book allowances.
These investments are essential for creating an environment that promotes scholarly research and innovation.
Looking to the future, President Akufo-Addo urged universities to enhance their collaboration with industry, government, and communities to ensure their research and teaching align with national development goals.
He stressed the vital role universities play in training professionals in various fields, such as science, engineering, law, and political science.
In closing, the President encouraged Ghanaians to support Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 elections, praising his competence 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 start of a new era for UDS.
As the university community celebrates, the President’s message underscores the importance of collective effort in building a brighter future for Ghana.
