By Rosemary Wayo
Nyankpala (N/R), Aug 22, GNA – President Nana Akufo-Addo on Thursday inaugurated a multi-purpose three-storey building for the Nyankpala Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) to serve as an administration block.
The building is an initiative of the President in fulfillment of a promise he made to the UDS during its 25th Anniversary celebrations.
The building, named “Silver Jubilee Building”, will serve as an administration block with offices, conference rooms and lecture theatres for the University.
The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries, including Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, Mr Habib Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tolon, and Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister.
President Akufo-Addo said the facility was a further proof of his commitment to advancing education in Ghana.
He said the building symbolised a shared vision of the University and the Government in the pursuit of knowledge and development.
“My first term as President of the Republic was a significant milestone. It was then that I made a pledge to support this university by providing a three-storey building complex,” the President said.
President Akufo-Addo said the building was a catalyst for innovation, a hub for intellectual discourse and a training ground for future leaders.
“The Silver Jubilee Building will provide the much needed space for effective teaching and learning to enable students to thrive academically and excel in their research and professional endeavours.”
He said fulfilling his promises to Ghanaians was crucial to upholding citizens’ trust.
Dr Adutwum, on his part, said government was determined to transforming education in the country.
He said the President; in keeping his promise to the UDS, gave a testament to his commitment to making education accessible to everyone.
“Nana Akufo-Addo is the true representation of leadership,” he said.
Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice-chancellor, UDS, expressed gratitude to the President for his support and willingness to inaugurate the building.
He said the challenges of the university were presented to the President, of which inadequate lecture halls was a notable one, expressing gladness that the President intervened.
“As we assemble on this ground that once upon a time was a playground for reptiles, full of weeds and has now been transformed into this huge monument, we do so as witnesses to the fact that you have fulfilled your pledge,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Prof Al-Hassan disclosed that the UDS’ Academic Board, on April 28, decided to name the building “Silver Jubilee” in remembrance of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
He appealed to him for more support for the UDS’ Law Faculty infrastructure and resources to alleviate water challenges on the Nyankpala Campus.
Alhaji Shani Saibu, the Northern Regional Minister, said the edifice was a demonstration of President Akufo-Addo’s commitment, dedication and leadership towards the development of the region and the entire country.
GNA