The University of Ghana, Legon, has taken a significant step to bolster student access to laptops by awarding contracts for the establishment of a laptop assembly plant on campus.
This initiative aims to provide students with affordable laptops, complementing the One Student, One Laptop initiative.
Since August 2022, the university has distributed 309 laptops to students as part of its ongoing efforts. Additionally, the university, with support from individuals and corporate entities, donated 500 laptops to students in need.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor, highlighted these developments during a congregational ceremony for the School of Graduate Studies, where 15,549 students are graduating.
Prof. Amfo emphasized the university's commitment to inclusivity, citing the provision of basic ICT training for seven visually impaired students in collaboration with the International Telecommunications Union and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications.
The Assistive Technology Lab at the university hosted the training, enhancing the educational experience of visually impaired students and preparing them for the digital workplace.
The Vice-Chancellor also announced the commissioning of the University of Ghana-Toyota Ghana School of Engineering Sciences Training Centre in October 2023.
This initiative aligns with the university's dedication to preparing students for the job market, with Toyota Ghana committing $2 million worth of engineering equipment over ten years to support the university's engineering program.
In addressing student accommodation challenges, the university introduced an open randomized bed allocation system.
This system aims to ensure fairness and transparency in allocating student accommodation, providing equal opportunities to all students, regardless of their internet connectivity status.
At the congregational ceremony, Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Senior Partner at KPMG Ghana, advised graduates to be ambassadors of positive change and contribute positively to society.
He encouraged them to apply their knowledge to make a meaningful impact on their communities.
The best graduating student from the School of Graduate Studies, Dr. John Boiquaye, expressed gratitude to the university and pledged to use the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity.
Dr. Boiquaye, graduating with a PhD in Mathematics, emphasized the importance of patience, perseverance, and dedication in achieving success.