A delegation from the Bulk Oil Storage & Transportation Company Limited (BOST), led by the Managing Director, Mr. Edwin Provencal, has made a generous donation of GH¢100,000.00 to the University of Ghana in support of the Vice-Chancellor's ‘One Student One Laptop’ Initiative.
Mr. Edwin Provencal conveyed his passion for the initiative as it aligns with what BOST has been doing in terms of its Corporate Social Responsibility. He proudly articulated that the knowledge and education he gained from graduate studies in UG have greatly contributed to the company’s recent success and accolades.
BOST Managing Director, Mr. Edwin Provencal
He explained that BOST is now sponsoring approximately fifty talented but financially disadvantaged students from the locations in which they operate.
Mr. Provencal emphasised the potential impact of the '1S1L' project on the lives of the impoverished. He acknowledged that there are many outstanding and deserving students who, with a little help and opportunity, have the potential to become future leaders.
The BOST MD also stated that his company is eager to learn about other initiatives being undertaken in UG to enable his organisation determine areas of support, particularly initiatives that align with their vision.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, thanked BOST for their kind donation. She underscored the importance of cultivating and sustaining a strong relationship between the UG and BOST, expressing a desire for future collaborations and partnerships.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo
Prof. Amfo underscored the significance of equipping university students with the necessary skills to navigate the modern world. This comprises critical thinking, computer proficiency, and adaptability to technology. She stated that universities must integrate these skills into the education system to ensure students are well-prepared.
“When COVID-19 struck, I was Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA). We had to go online and despite our best efforts, 90% of our students participated and tried their very best and about 10% were unable to participate either, due to lack of access to the appropriate gadgets or internet challenges that impeded their access to online teaching programmes. Some of these experiences serve as the inspiration for what our University is doing right now,” she said.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), commended BOST for its assistance and reaffirmed the University's commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment. He outlined the VC's three-pronged areas to driving digitalisation at the University in order to achieve the desired standard of education.
Prof. Awandare stressed that these efforts are being made to maintain the University's status as a global leader in higher education and expressed openness to engage in other ways to improve the student experience.
Prof. Ernest Tweneboah-Koduah, a member of the 1S1L Committee, gave an overview of the Vice-Chancellor's vision to digitally transform the UG student experience. He explained that the 'One Student, One Laptop' Initiative aims to provide affordable computers for students and staff, as well as free laptops for needy students, to assist them in fully adapting to changes in education delivery and learning while also having access to the resources needed to facilitate effective teaching, learning, and research.
Mrs. Lydia A. Nyako-Danquah, Director of Academic Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Registrar, conveyed the University's pride in BOST's accomplishments and highlighted the University's desire for continued partnership. She reiterated the University's hope for BOST to increase its visibility and improve its collaboration in order to have a bigger impact on the development of the University.
Also present at the presentation were Dr. Mrs. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director, Public Affairs Directorate; Mr. Francis K. Boachie, Chief Information Technology Officer and a Member of the 1S1L committee; Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics and Member of the 1S1L committee; Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate and Mrs. Agnes Baidoo, Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate.
Representatives from BOST also included Mr. Yaw Antwi-Dadzie, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility; Maame Pokua Appiah, Executive Assistant to the MD; Mr. Nats Salifu Acheampong, Manager, Corporate Communications; Mr. Malik Adjei, General Manager, Communication & External Affairs and Louisa Atta-Agyemang, Officer, Media Relations.
