On Friday, September 26, 2025, the University for Development Studies (UDS) witnessed a landmark event as the MTN Ghana Foundation officially joined hand to break the grounds for the construction of a cutting-edge Multi-Purpose Resource Centre on the Tamale Campus. This momentous sod-cutting ceremony symbolized not only the start of the construction of a physical structure, but the planting of a vital seed for innovation, opportunities and promised future for students, the university and Northern Ghana at large.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Umar Haruna, the Dean of Students Affairs at UDS, took attendees through the inspiring journey and evolution of the project. He recalled how in October 2023, the then Dean of Students, Prof. Alhassan Musah presented a proposal to the MTN Ghana Foundation requesting for a recreational centre for students.

However, following a crucial visit by the MTN Foundation to the university in May, 2024, the vision transformed into something far more impactful; a digital resource centre that will focus on vital skills labs for digital proficiency, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

Dr. Haruna expressed deep gratitude to the MTN Ghana Foundation and partners for the generous investment. He also commended the leadership roles played by Prof. Alhassan Musah and the dedicated team from the Dean of Students Office for pushing the initiatives to this level.

On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Seidu Alhassan, the Principal of the Nyankpala Campus, Prof. Muhammed Muniru Iddrisu welcomed the dignitaries that included the MTN Ghana Foundation Board Members, Technical Collaborators-Coral Reef Innovation Hub and all university officials present, echoing his profound excitement and appreciation.

He exclaimed, amid uproar and clapping from the staff and students “Today, we are not just breaking grounds; we are planting a seed of innovation, opportunities and brighter future for our students, university and region,”  He went further to assure that the facility when completed would be put into proper use and for the promotion of digital skills, AI, robotics, blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT).

Prof. Muniru concluded that the 615,000 USD project that aims at serving over 30,000 users aligns so well with the core mandate of UDS to blend theory with practical skills to equip graduates with the competitive edge needed in the job market.

Mr. Robert Kuzoe, who is the Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, highlighted the project’s transformative potential not only for students and youth, but for Ghana’s national progress. “We are laying the foundation for a future where Ghana’s youth are equipped with the skills and opportunities to lead in the digital age,”

Mr. Kuzoe added that the initiative will help Ghanaian youth and the government in minimizing the growing unemployment menace in the country. According to him, the partnership epitomizes a steadfast commitment to convert challenges into opportunities, fostering a prosperous and inclusive future for the youth within the digital economy.

Story by Hamdan Amadu 
UDS Media