President Inaugurates Silver Jubilee Building at University for Development Studies
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the broader importance of education for national development, highlighting his government’s substantial investments in the sector.
The Silver Jubilee Building, a three-storey complex designed to accommodate lecture halls and offices, is a fulfillment of President Akufo-Addo’s promise made during UDS’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in 2018. During the inauguration, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the building’s symbolic value, stating that it represents a shared vision for a brighter future, a commitment to knowledge, and a drive towards national development.
"This building symbolizes our shared vision for a brighter future, our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and our resolve to the development of our country," President Akufo-Addo declared. He noted that the new structure would serve as a catalyst for innovation and a hub for intellectual discourse, enhancing the academic environment for students and faculty alike.
The President expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the project, including the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), UDS’s governing council, faculty, staff, students, and the contractors, Buildex Company Ltd. He commended their dedication and craftsmanship, which is evident throughout the new building.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the broader importance of education for national development, highlighting his government’s substantial investments in the sector. This includes a budgetary allocation of GH¢12.88 billion aimed at transforming education in Ghana. He also praised the No Guarantor Policy, which has removed financial barriers to tertiary education and resulted in a 60.3% increase in student enrollment from the 2016/2017 to the 2022/2023 academic years. This rise in demand has led to the establishment of four new universities and the expansion of existing facilities.
The President revealed that since 2020, GH¢226 million has been allocated as research allowances, with an additional GH¢491 million for book allowances, emphasizing these investments' importance in fostering academic excellence and innovation.
Looking forward, President Akufo-Addo urged universities to strengthen their collaboration with industry, government, and communities to ensure their research and teaching align with national development goals. He stressed the crucial role of universities in training professionals across various fields, including science, engineering, law, and political science.
In his closing remarks, President Akufo-Addo encouraged Ghanaians to support Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 elections, praising his competence and vision for Ghana’s future.
The inauguration of the Silver Jubilee Building not only completes a significant promise but also marks a new chapter for UDS. The President’s address underscores the collective effort needed to build a brighter future for Ghana through continued investment in education and research.
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