In continuation of its commitment to actively support financial inclusion and digital education, Ecobank Ghana PLC has supported the Vice-Chancellor’s ‘One Student, One Laptop’ initiative (1S1L), with an additional donation of 100 laptops.
This latest contribution is in fulfillment of the Bank’s pledge to donate 300 laptops over a period of three years, in support of the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of providing affordable computers for students and free laptops for needy students, under the three-pronged digitalisation initiative.
The initial donation of 100 laptops made last year, under the leadership of Mr. Daniel Sackey, the then Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana PLC. The current Managing Director, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, led a delegation of top management officials to present the second batch of 100 laptops, bringing the total contribution from Ecobank to 200 laptops towards the 1S1L, reaffirming its commitment to empowering students through technology.
Speaking at the brief presentation ceremony at the New Council Chamber of the University, Mrs. Osei-Poku, stated, “We recognise the relevant role that access to laptops plays in facilitating learning and research activities of students. This donation is a show of our continued support for the ‘One Student, One Laptop’ initiative, and we aim to ensure that more students have the necessary tools to excel academically.”
Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director
The MD noted that this donation falls under the Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and education, which are critical to achieving its strategic focus. She affirmed, “We believe in the changes in education and technology, and as a pan-African bank, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that provide solutions to deprived students, preparing them for the challenges of the modern workforce.”
Mrs. Osei-Poku was emphatic that as part of the vision of Ecobank Ghana, Management identifies with initiatives that provide solutions to deprived students and prepare them for the world of work. “We applaud the Vice-Chancellor for her bold vision to champion digitalisation and empower students,” she added.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, whose strategic vision birthed the initiative, in her thank you note after receiving the laptops, recounted the story behind the initiative and how it has received substantial support.
She recognised the importance of providing an inclusive environment for students to thrive. “On the provision of hire purchase and low-cost laptops, a sod-cutting event will be hosted soon to kickstart the construction of the laptop assembling plant”, she announced.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Prof. Appiah Amfo also mentioned that plans are underway to modernise the assistive technology lab for students with special needs. “We are committed to ensuring that all students, including those with special needs, have access to the resources they need to succeed,” she stated.
While congratulating Mrs. Osei-Poku on her assumption of duty as the MD of Ecobank, she wished her well and hoped for more years of impactful partnership between the Bank and the University.
In connection with UG’s Internship Policy, which was launched in October 2023, the Vice-Chancellor extended an invitation to Ecobank to come on board and formalise arrangements to provide internship opportunities for students.
In delivering closing remarks, the Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon A. Awandare, expressed the University’s pleasure at having Ecobank as a collaborator. “We are pleased to have Ecobank as a partner in this initiative. Your commitment to providing laptops for students is commendable,” he said.
Prof. Awandare assured the delegation that the University will ensure that the laptops are distributed to students who need them most.
Pro VC RID Prof. Felix A. Asante (left) and Pro VC ASA, Prof. Gordon A. Awandare (right) during the event
As Chair of the Classroom Modernisation Committee, which forms part of the digitalisation agenda, Prof. Awandare provided brief details on the Classroom modernisation project and the construction of the hotspot comfort zones, which could provide publicity and business opportunities for the Bank.
Earlier in brief remarks, Prof. Ernest Y. Tweneboah-Koduah, a member of the 1S1L Implementation Committee, also expressed appreciation to the Bank on behalf of the Committee. He outlined the crucial steps taken to provide laptops to students in need, facilitated by the Student Financial Aid Office (SFAO).
With this latest donation, the total number of laptops received to support the initiative is 620, out of which over 350 have been disbursed to selected students. The continuous support the initiative is receiving, reflects the collective efforts of stakeholders in empowering students with the required digital tools for effective learning.
The brief presentation ceremony, which was moderated by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, had in attendance Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante; Registrar Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah; and senior administrators and staff of the Public Affairs Directorate.
The team from Ecobank included Dr. Daniel Kasser Tee, Executive Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications; Mr. Abraham Adu-Kwarteng, Executive Head of Public Sector – Commercial Banking; Mrs. Charlotte Amanquah, Head of Commercial Banking; Mr. George Nyanteh, University of Ghana Zonal Manager and Ms. Thelma Nartekie Nartey of the Marketing and Corporate Communications Department.
