MTN Ghana Foundation Breaks Ground on GHS 9.7m Digital Innovation Hub at UDS-Set to Transform STEM and AI Training in Northern Region

MTN Ghana Foundation Breaks Ground on GHS 9.7m Digital Innovation Hub at UDS-Set to Transform STEM and AI Training in Northern Region

The MTN Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the University for Development Studies (UDS), has cut sod for a GHS 9.7 million ultra-modern Student Resource Centre at the UDS Tamale campus,an ambitious project poised to redefine digital learning, STEM education, and AI skills development for young people in the Northern Region.

The groundbreaking ceremony marks a major milestone in the Foundation’s drive to enhance digital literacy and prepare Ghana’s youth for an increasingly technology-driven future. Expected to be completed within eight months, the facility will serve as a regional hub for hands-on learning, digital innovation, and professional development for both UDS students and learners from surrounding institutions.

The new centre will house a modern computer lab with 70 laptops, robotics kits, and advanced video conferencing systems linked directly to the UDS Nyankpala campus. It will also offer access to world-class digital courses via the MTN Skills Academy, giving learners practical skills in coding, AI, digital research, and innovation. Importantly, the facility will be open to non-UDS students who register for digital training programmes.

Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager of the MTN Ghana Foundation, stressed the urgent need to equip young people with future-ready skills, especially with 57% of Ghana’s population under age 25.

“We are not just laying the foundation for a building; 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,” he said. “By providing access to modern digital tools and training, we are empowering our youth to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital economy.”

He added that despite Ghana’s internet penetration rate of 69.8% and national initiatives like the One Million Coders programme, many young people still lack access to modern, practical ICT training facilities—making this project a timely intervention.

Representing UDS, Professor Muniru Alhassan, Dean of the Nyankpala Campus, commended MTN Ghana Foundation for its long-standing commitment to education and capacity building. He described the upcoming centre as a transformative hub that will strengthen both the technical and social intelligence of students.

“The world of work is changing rapidly, and this facility gives our students the competitive edge they need to blend theory with practice,” he noted. “It will foster innovation, research, and collaborative learning, preparing our students to meet real-world demands.”

The project aligns with the MTN Ghana Foundation’s broader education agenda, which focuses on ICT development, improved learning environments, and capacity building nationwide. Over the years, the Foundation has supported educational institutions through infrastructure development, scholarships, and digital learning initiatives.

When completed, the UDS Student Resource Centre is expected to become one of the Northern Region’s most impactful digital empowerment facilities,driving STEM advancement, AI training, digital literacy, and innovation for thousands of young people.