Further to steps toward enhancing the student experience at the University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has overseen the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a second Hotspot Comfort Zone facility.
This project, a vital component of the Vice-Chancellor’s Digitalisation Initiative, is generously sponsored by the First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), Ghana, and is scheduled to be completed within three months.
The designated location for the facility is adjacent to the Maison Française Building and the Athletics Oval, where the first Hotspot Comfort Zone facility sponsored by the Alumni Association is located.
At the event, Prof. Amfo expressed her gratitude to FBN, Ghana, acknowledging them as the pioneering corporate sponsor for the Hotspot Comfort Zone initiative. She revealed that discussions between the University and FBN had commenced approximately a year ago, culminating in the groundbreaking ceremony that marked a significant milestone.
The Vice-Chancellor stated her wish for the projects to be completed in time for the inauguration. She underscored the importance of partnerships and extolled the University's long-standing collaboration with FBN, Ghana, and the shared commitment to providing opportunities for students.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, the Pro Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Academic and Student Affairs, highlighted the University's ongoing efforts to realise the Vice-Chancellor's vision for enhancing the student experience. This vision encompasses a three-pronged approach, which includes the "1 Student, 1 Laptop" policy, Classroom Modernisation, and the Hotspot Comfort Zones.
Prof. Awandare explained that “the Hotspot Comfort Zone project aims to complement the existing campus infrastructure, given the significant increase in the University's student, faculty, and staff population. These facilities are designed to provide a restful and conducive environment for students who do not have on-campus accommodation, thereby facilitatinto the productive use of their time.”
The implementation of the projects he mentioned involved collaborations with various partners, including internal University units, the World Bank Centres of Excellence, alumni groups, and corporate institutions. “FBN, Ghana, stood out as the first private institution to commit to this initiative” Prof. Awandare praised.
Mr. Semui Lamidi, the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of FBN, Ghana, who also delivered brief remarks at the event, expressed the Bank's delight in contributing to the Hotspot Comfort Zone project. He applauded the University's innovative vision, aligning with one of the Bank's core values, which is innovation.
Mr. Lamidi indicated that the Hotspot Comfort Zones would provide students with a space to relax between classes, complete with Wi-Fi access to maximize their free time for productive engagement. Additionally, FBN agents would be available at the facilities to offer financial services, including ATM installations for personal transactions.
He reaffirmed FBN, Ghana's dedication to its partnership with the University of Ghana, which has seen the Bank's involvement in initiatives such as sponsoring the University's Career Week event, employing National Service Scheme personnel, and admitting University of Ghana students as interns over the past two years.
The completion of this project, according to Mr. Semui Lamidi, would underscore the robust partnership between FBN, Ghana, and the University of Ghana. He encouraged the students of the University to fully utilise the Hotspot Comfort Zone for academic enrichment and relaxed and efficient business transactions.
The event was attended by members of the University Management, including Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar, and other senior officers of the University such as Prof. Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost, College of Education; Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs. Representatives from FBN Ghana, alongside other members of the University of Ghana community were also in attendance.
