BROCHURE - LAUNCH OF VICE-CHANCELLOR'S PROGRAMME FOR ENHANCING THE UG STUDENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITALISATION

LAUNCH OF VICE-CHANCELLOR’S PROGRAMME
FOR ENHANCING THE UG STUDENT

EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITALISATION

Date: April 20, 2022
Time: 4.00 p.m.

Venue: Great Hall

PARTNERS

Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

3:45 p.m. - Guests to be seated

- Welcome Remarks/Introduction of Chairperson:
Prof. Gordon Awandare
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs
Chairperson of the Planning Committee

- Chairperson’s Response:
Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo (Rtd.)
Chairperson, University Council

- Intiatives to Enhance the UG Student Experience:

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo

Vice-Chancellor

- Presentation:
Mr. Francis Kwabena Boachie,
Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO)

- Launch of Programme:

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education



- Joyful Drumming/Musical Interlude:

Ghana Dance Ensemble



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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

- Call for Partnership:

• Prof. Gordon Awandare
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs
Chairperson of the Planning Committee

• Prof. Peter Quartey
Director, ISSER
Co-Chairperson of the Planning Committee

• Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah
Director, Office of Institutional Advancement


• Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee
Chair, Intermarket Group

- Solidarity Messages by Special Guests of Honour:

• Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas

Former President of ECOWAS Commission

• Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation

- Chairperson’s Closing Remarks:

Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo (Rtd.)

Chairperson, University Council

- Vote of Thanks:
Ms. Stephanie Naadu Antwi
Ag. President, Student Representative Council (SRC)

- University Anthem

MC:
Mr. Kwame Gyan

Deputy Director, Consumer and Corporate Affairs

National Communications Authority

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

PROFILE

The University of Ghana, the premier university in Ghana, was founded as
the University College of the Gold Coast by Ordinance on August 11, 1948
for the purpose of providing and promoting university education, learning
and research.

As a University poised to distinguish itself in the area of research to make
an impact at the national and international levels, the University launched
a Strategic Plan in 2014. The Strategic Plan (2014-2024) is intended to
consolidate the gains made from the review of the University’s mission
and practices and situate these within the context of a very dynamic
environment of higher education in Ghana and beyond.

Vision
Our vision is to become a “world-class research-intensive University.”

Mission
Our Mission is to create an enabling environment that makes University of
Ghana increasingly relevant to national and global development through
cutting-edge research as well as high quality teaching and learning.

Values: • Commitment
• Integrity • Loyalty
• Respect

University of Ghana Campuses
Legon Campus: This is the main campus where most of the University’s
teaching and research are carried out. It also houses the central
administration of the University.

Korle-Bu Campus: The Korle-Bu Campus houses the administration of the
College of Health Sciences (which is headed by a Provost) as well as some
of the constituent Schools.

Accra City Campus: Strategically located in the central business district of
Accra, the Accra City Campus is a non-residential campus.

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

Kumasi City Campus: The Kumasi City Campus, also a non-residential
campus, is housed at the erstwhile Kumasi Workers’ College, established
in 1962.

Takoradi City Campus: The Takoradi City Campus, another non-residential
campus, is located at the former Takoradi Workers’ College, established in
1962 at Chapel Hill in Takoradi, near the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
(GPHA) Hospital.

The University of Ghana is administered through a central adminstration
which includes a collegiate system comprising the following colleges and
a School of Graduate Studies:

• College of Basic and Applied Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Humanities

In addition, the University has several research institutions and centres for
teaching and learning, training and research

As the premier university in Ghana, the University aims to produce the next
generation of thought leaders to drive national development. Through
its research institutes and other centres of learning and research, faculty
members are involved in studies that support policy making for national
development, often in collaboration with other international institutions.

The student population is approximately 61,000 made up of students
enrolled on regular, sandwich and weekend programmes as well as
distance education programmes.

The University has experienced a steady growth in the number of
international students who come from over 70 countries to join either the
regular undergraduate and graduate programmes or enroll on the study
abroad and other special programmes designed for international students.

The University of Ghana, has over the years built a reputation as one of
the continent’s best universities, making it the first choice for academics,
researchers and students.

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

CONCEPT PAPER ON ENHANCING UNIVERSITY
OF GHANA STUDENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH
DIGITALISATION

1. Introduction
On October 26, 2021, the University of Ghana (UG) inducted into office,
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo as its first female Vice-Chancellor. During the
ceremony, she shared her vision to ‘create a culture that promotes research,
teaching and learning, administrative processes and extension activities
driven by technology and anchored in humanism’. She noted that people
(students, staff) were at the core of the general operations of the University
and thus stated her commitment to enhancing stakeholder experience
through digitalisation.

As part of efforts to realise her vision of enhancing stakeholder experience
through digitalisation, the Vice-Chancellor has identified some projects
which are expected to culminate in the enhanced experience of students
and other stakeholders such as faculty and staff, through the following
three-pronged technology driven initiatives:

• Classroom modernisation
 • One student One Laptop (1S1L)
• Hot-spot Comfort Zones

To achieve the aspiration of the Vice-Chancellor, a committee was set up on
February 25, 2022, to spearhead fund raising activities aimed at generating
support, in cash and kind, towards realising these initiatives.

The Committee has developed this concept note to seek project funding
support, with the overarching aim of (1) Expanding and modernising lecture
halls and updating them to deliver inclusive learning spaces that utilise
technology; (2) Providing free laptops for needy students and affordable
laptops with flexible payment plans for non-needy students, faculty and
staff and (3) providing designated areas around the University campus
equipped with Wi-Fi and other digital technologies where students can
sit/unwind/debate in between classes in order to make the best use of
their free periods.

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

2. Rationale for the proposed initiatives

2.1 Classroom Modernisation

Over the past 70 plus years and despite being the premier University, UG
has struggled to maintain classroom infrastructure to match the exponential
growth in its student population. This challenge appears to be primarily
driven by the fact that UG is predominantly dependent on Government of
Ghana (GoG), through GETFund for infrastructure support. This has over the
years proven burdensome for the GETFund on account of the increasing
number of public universities and the other academic institutions across
the country. The cap on student fees by GoG also plays a role in placing
financial constraints on UG with regard to its ability to generate sufficient
Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for such purposes.

The astronomical surge in student population in the last few years has been
driven by the dynamics of the senior high school (SHS) system, including
the free SHS policy of the government. This free policy has resulted in
increased enrollment in the second cycle institutions and ultimately fed
into public tertiary institutions like the University of Ghana.

In addition to the student population growth, the emergence of the corona
virus and the eventual shutdown of the University as a counter measure
to limit the contagion also served to reveal the paucity of UG’s classroom
infrastructure to facilitate a seamless transitioning of lectures to the online
mode.

It is in the light of the above that Management of the University of Ghana
has set for itself the task of expanding and modernising the classroom
infrastructure, via the fullest integration of technology, to allow UG to
pursue its agenda of delivering excellence in teaching and learning while
making its degrees and other academic qualifications accessible to all
willing and qualified candidates within and without the borders of Ghana.

2.2. One Student One Laptop (1S1L)

At the height ofthe pandemicwhen most lectureswere held online/virtually,
it was noted that significant numbers of students had no laptops and as
such had difficulties participating fully in virtual classes, online discussions

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

Selected Lecture Halls That Need Upgrade

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

Some Upgraded Lecture Halls

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

and related academic activities. Considering that the deployment of digital
technologies in higher education has gained momentum in recent times
and proven to be capable of delivering positive educational outcomes, it
is imperative that students in general and needy students in particular, are
supported as the University seeks to build an inclusive community. The
1S1L is aimed at providing affordable computers for students and staff and
free laptops for needy students to help students fully adapt to the changes
in education delivery and learning while having access to the required
resources to facilitate effective teaching, learning and research.

2.3 Hot-spot Comfort Zones

With the increase in student numbers and the challenges associated with
infrastructure deficit at the University of Ghana, it has become more evident
that students often have difficulties finding places to sit/wait in between
lectures including the unavailability of adequate washrooms. Although this
challenge has existed for some time now, it has recently been exacerbated
due to the increase in students’ numbers following the introduction of the
free Senior High School policy. This is the case because students from the
second cycle institutions ultimately feed into public tertiary institutions
like the University of Ghana. The provision of the Hot-spot Comfort Zones
around the University campus where students can access washrooms
and relax in-between classes will improve on students’ experience and
potentially enhance their academic fortunes. Additionally, these zones will
be equipped with Wi-Fi and other digital technologies to enable students
make the best use of their free periods.

3. Implementation strategies

3.1 Classroom Modernisation
The Management of the University of Ghana has put together a committee,
under the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)
to spearhead the expansion and modernisation of classrooms to enhance
the delivery of teaching and learning services offered by the University. The
proposed expansion and modernisation solution involves the construction,
refurbishment, and installation of information technology (ICT) equipment
and gadgets and an integration into the UG Learning Management System
to allow for both synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning to take
place as required. It will also create an appropriate learning environment
for face-to-face lectures and allow for off-site learning and examinations

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

to manage the large student population. Equitable support will also be
provided through this initiative to enable differently-abled students fully
participate in teaching and learning activities.

The University has committed GH₵ 5,500,000.00 from its internally
generated revenue to fund the first phase of the Classroom Modernisation
project which is currently ongoing, including expansion of internet
connectivity and provision of basic ICT facilities in selected lecture rooms
across the University’s campuses. The first phase is also being supported
by the University’s three World Bank African Centres of Excellence (ACEs),
namely, West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), West African
Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) and West
African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), as well as the Centre for
Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI). However, the University is now
seeking corporate partnerships to expand and enhance this initiative by
upgrading more lecture rooms with modern pedagogical facilities that
would transform both the student and lecturer experience. The cost for
upgrading each classroom ranges from GH₵ 487,500 - 1,275,000 per
classroom/lecture hall depending on the size of the classroom/lecture
hall, renovations needed and equipment to be installed. Partners are
invited to choose individual classrooms or entire blocks to fund and be
recognised accordingly.

3.3 One Student One Laptop (1S1L)

The ‘One Student One Laptop Initiative’ seeks to employ innovative
mechanisms to equip students and staff of the University with affordable
and free laptops/handheld devices through partnerships with established
Information Technology (IT) companies to enhance teaching and learning
and reduce the digital divide. In line with this objective, the project has
been designed to explore mechanisms and channels that would help
secure free laptops for students who cannot afford them.

To determine the most efficient channels for acquiring laptops for the
University Community, four target groups and proposed distribution
strategies have been considered. These include (i) students not requiring
financial aid (provision of laptops at discounted prices), (ii) needy students
(donation of free laptops), (iii) staff/faculty (provision of laptops through hire-
purchase agreements) and (iv) institutional purchases (tax waivers to reduce
cost of laptops). The University will also pursue the path of establishing

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

an assembling plant on campus and entering contractual agreements for
acquisition vis-à-vis repayment plans, insurance, warranties, etc. to make
the required number of laptops available for distribution.

It is estimated that 6000 needy students would require assistance to own
a laptop. Based on these estimates and with the average cost of a laptop
pegged between GH₵ 2,625 - 3,000 the total amount of money that needs
to be raised is about GH₵ 16,875,000 The University is therefore calling on
alumni, philanthropists and corporate bodies to contribute in cash or kind
towards the realisation of these amounts.

3.5 Hot-spot Comfort Zones
Based on mapping conducted by the University’s Physical Development
and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD), 15 Hot-spot Comfort zones
will need to be constructed across the campuses of the University,
including the Legon Campus, Accra City Campus, Korle Bu Campus,
Kumasi City Campus, and Takoradi City Campus. The average cost of each
Hot-Spot Comfort zone is GH₵ 300,000 and the University is inviting alumni,
philanthropists and corporate bodies to consider providing one or more of
these units on any campus of their choice.

4. Financing of the Projects

Fund Raising
Management of the University of Ghana intends to finance the project
with funds raised from donors or partners from within and outside of the
University including corporate bodies. Specifically, the fund raising will
target the following set of donors:

 • The University of Ghana and Units within it
• Individual Employees within the University
• Corporate Partners
•  Individual Donors Outside of the University
•  District/Municipal Assemblies and other government agencies

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

5. Benefits to Partners

Individuals and organisations that contribute to the projects will have the
following options of recognition:
• Remaining anonymous
• Being recognised on an honor roll
• Branding space in the facilities
• Naming privileges for the facilities, or
• Other forms of recognition that could be negotiated.

6. Project Estimates

NO. Project Quantity Estimated Cost

Unit Price (GH₵) Total (GH₵)
32,250,000
1. Classroom 50 487,500-1,275,000 16,875,000
Modernisation 4,500,000
53,625,000
2. One Student 6000 2,625 - 3,000

One Laptop

3. Hotspot 15 300,000
Comfort Zone

Grand Total

To offer support for this noble cause, kindly contact:

Ms. Victoria A. Anim
Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASA)
Telephone: 030 288 6958
Email: [email protected]

Ms. Joy Lamptey
Office of Institutional Advancement
Telephone: 0555545768
Email: [email protected]

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

Members of the Planning Committee

NAME DESIGNATION
Prof. Gordon A. Awandare Chair
Prof. Peter Quartey Co-Chair
Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah Member
Prof. E. Y. Tweneboah-Koduah Member
Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour Member
Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah Member

Mrs. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah Member
Mr. Francis Kwabena Boachie Member
Mr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee Member
Ms. Christiana Adu GRASAG President
Ms. Stephanie Naadu Antwi Ag. President, SRC
Mr. Richard Okrah Chairman, UG Alumni Council
Ms. Victoria Anim Secretary



One Student One Laptop Implementation Team

NAME DESIGNATION
Prof. Peter Quartey Chair
Prof. E. Y. Tweneboah-Koduah Member
Prof. Elikplimi K. Agbloyor  Member
Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour  Member

Dr. Mansa Fredua-Agyeman Member
Ms. Christiana Adu   Member
Mr. Francis Kwabena Boachie Member

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

Mr. Bright Obeng-Yeboah  Member
Ms. Stephanie Naadu Antwi Member
Dr. Isaac Wiafe  Member
Dr. Nii Longdon Sowah   Member
Ms. Mammie Hutchful  Secretary



Classroom Modernisation Implementation Team

NAME DESIGNATION
Prof. Gordon A. Awandare Chair
Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah Member
Mr. Charles Kofinti Member
Mrs. Lydia Anowa Nyako-Danquah Member

Mr. Sampson Owusu Afriyie Member
Mr. Francis Kwabena Boachie  Member
Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee Member
Dr. Vera Fiador   Member
Prof. Joshua Y. Abor Member
Prof. Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah Member
Prof. E. Y. Tweneboah-Koduah    Member
Ms. Victoria Anim Secretary



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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

3D MODEL OF HOT-SPOT COMFORT ZONES

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

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Launch of Vice-Chancellor’s Programme for Enhancing the UG Student Experience through Digitalisation

UNIVERSITY ANTHEM

Hail University of Ghana
The nation’s hope and glory
The place that bears the star of peace
That bids us all to do our best
Let the great Tower of learning
Inspire both young and old
May we proceed in unity to uphold the public cause.

//: Arise, arise O Legon
Defend the cause of freedom
Proceed in truth and integrity to make
Our nation proud: //

We ask for strength and wisdom
As we climb the hill of learning
May we excel in what’er we do
As we prepare to face the world
With a mind ready at all times
And a conscience quick to feel
May we proceed in unity to uphold the public cause.

//: Arise, arise O Legon
Defend the cause of freedom
Proceed in truth and integrity to make
our nation proud ://

(Prof. Emeritus J. H. Kwabena Nketia)

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