MTN Ghana Foundation has handed over a state-of-the-art information and communications technology (ICT) laboratory to the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

The facility was equipped with modern telecommunications and electronics laboratory building, electronic equipment, ICT cable infrastructure and other lab equipment at the cost of GH¢731,784.

It is aimed at enhancing teaching and learning of ICT in the school especially at the time when large gatherings are discouraged due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Handing over

Handing over the facility at a short ceremony on March 22 in Accra, the Board Chairman of MTN Ghana Foundation, Prof Franklin Manu, said the facility was developed to help boost the capacity of the GIMPA School of Technology.

“The GIMPA School of Technology is one of the nerve centres of this prestigious centre of higher learning and must be given all the necessary support,” he said.

He said the amount invested covered the cost of providing telecommunications and electronics laboratory building, electronic equipment, furniture/cabinet for the main lab and an ICT cable infrastructure.

“It is enlightening to note that this facility will now pave the way for GIMPA to run an MSc programme in telecommunications engineering. It should also make it possible for the institution to successfully run programmes in ICT, computer science, and management information systems.

“These courses are critical to ensure that we have the right expertise needed to drive and support the digitalisation agenda of the country,” he said.

Mr Manu stated that the new facility was the biggest investment that MTN Ghana Foundation has made in a technology and ICT lab for a single institution in the country.

This, he said could also spur innovation in and out of the school.

“Through this and other investments made in universities and schools across the country, digital inclusion and innovation is being sustained,” he added.

Appreciation

Receiving the keys to the ultramodern ICT facility, the Deputy Rector of GIMPA, Prof Martin Morgan Tuuli, was full of praise to the Foundation for the support which had come to complement the government’s effort at providing schools with the right teaching and learning materials to support the effective teaching and learning of ICT in the country.

He assured that GIMPA will put the facility to good use to promote teaching and learning in the school.

He noted that the school would soon begin an MSc programme in telecommunications engineering and other related disciplines.

While thanking the MTN Ghana Foundation for its exceptional gesture, he called on other corporate organisations to emulate shining examples of the Foundation.