By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, March 18, GNA – The St Augustine’s College in the historic city of Cape Coast has made an earnest appeal to all its stakeholders for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratory to advance the training of students in technology and innovation.
Dr Patrick Godfred Appiah, the Headmaster of the College, explained that an AI laboratory had become imperative to produce well-rounded graduates who were adequately equipped to solve the complex problems of the 21st Century.
He indicated that with an explosion of technology today, particularly AI, the College was committed to nurturing a generation of innovative and creative leaders to drive sustainable growth and build a more equitable and just society.
The headmaster tabled the request at the 95th anniversary celebration of the College on Saturday.
The celebration, sponsored by the 2000-year group of the St Augustine’s Past Students Association (APSU 2000), was a mammoth gathering students, alumni, parents, education officials, government officials, the clergy, traditional authorities among other stakeholders.
Indeed, it was an unforgettable moment of pride, reflection, and nostalgic celebration in a wholesomely clean environment perfectly complemented by a raft of renovated structures with the school beautifully decorated in the school’s colours of green and white.
It was on the theme: “Leveraging innovation towards economic and social sustainability for the next generation.”
The Millennium Year Group as part of their sponsorship package, renovated the College’s junior science laboratory into an ultramodern facility comprising, a physics laboratory, chemistry laboratory, a multipurpose laboratory and a lecture theatre all at a cost of $274,888.
Dr Appiah said the theme of the occasion reflected their unwavering commitment to preparing their students to become successful and responsible global citizens who could contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
Dr Appiah in his report touted the academic achievements of the College, indicating that they attained 100 per cent passes in 16 out of 22 subjects they presented for WASSCE in 2024 with an appreciable performance in the remaining six.
The school also placed second in the 2024 Science and Maths Quiz, he added.
The headmaster highlighted a raft of measures the College had instituted to improve academic performance.
He added the health situation in the school had also improved with resident nurses moving from one to three to deliver a 24-hour service to the students.
Despite their accomplishments and developments, Dr Appiah expressed an urgent need to enhance the state of their classrooms.
He observed that the state of much furniture could not meet the demands of 21st century learning experience and thus needed urgent attention.
“Your contribution will not only improve the physical comfort of our students but also create a more conducive and inspiring atmosphere for learning, ensuring that St Augustine’s College remains a beacon of excellence for generations to come,” he said.
Dr Appiah also entreated the stakeholders to give the school’s pitch a facelift to improve sporting activities.
He entreated the students to remain discipline, saying they were assured of excellent grades if they remained discipline and availed themselves to be moulded by the College.
Master Aaron Sabre Baiden, the Head Boy, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly the alumni for their continuous support and made a pledge to handle all facilities with care.
He, however, pointed out some of their urgent infrastructural challenges and asked the stakeholders to assist them with the construction of a new lecture theatre, a modern dining hall, and more renovation projects.
Reflecting on his life journey, Dr. Kwasi Anwomea, President and Chief Executive Officer of Access Star Living Services Inc., entreated the students to remain committed to their dreams and perseverance till they achieved them.
He urged them not to let their backgrounds define their future but embrace setbacks and press on with determination, adding that the world was full opportunities.
Dr Anwomea underscored the importance of innovation in today’s world, stressing that “success in the future will not come from doing things the same but we must create an environment where new ideas, businesses and talents can grow.”
Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Catholic Church and Patron of the College, applauded all stakeholders, especially the alumni for their continuous support for the school.
Reflecting on the substantial support of alumni for the alma maters over the years, Most Reverend Palmer-Buckle implored government to make them an integral part of the education system with a defined role.
He further urged all stakeholders, including students, staff, and parents, to actively participate in the ongoing national educational forum initiated by the government.
Mr. Herman Adusie, the lead of the business committee of the Millennium Year Group, stressed the importance of practical learning and bemoaned the incidence of rote learning in many schools across the country owing to the lack of resources.
“The world is moving towards practical-based education, yet many Ghanaian institutions still focus on theory with little to no practical exposure and our students struggle when they find themselves in environments that require hands-on skills.
“That is why this project is so dear to our hearts. We want to ensure that students leaving St. Augustine’s College are well-equipped to excel in both academia and the professional world,” he said.
GNA
AT/KOA