139 UG Students Benefit from the Vice-Chancellor’s 1S1L Initiative

The Vice-One Chancellor’s Student One Laptop (1S1L) Initiative, which aims to improve the UG student experience through digitalisation, has benefited 139 University students.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, presented laptop computers to the 139 students in a brief ceremony at the Cedi Conference Centre.

This brings the total number of laptops distributed to beneficiaries to over 300 since the first distribution event in August 2022. The West African Genetic Medicine Centre previously hosted two separate events for 50 students in the Department of Computer Science and 75 Graduate Students (WAGMC).

Dr. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, Director of the Public Affairs Directorate, welcomed attendees to the ceremony, stating that the 1S1L is a significant initiative in the University’s journey to improve educational opportunities for students as well as the UG student experience through digitalisation.

She described the initiative’s launch on April 20, 2022, as part of the Vice-visionary Chancellor’s three-pronged tech-driven initiatives, which aim to provide students with a critical tool for academic and personal development. “To ensure equitable access to technology, a limited number of laptops will be distributed to beneficiaries at no cost, taking into account academic performance and financial need.” This assistance, provided by the Student Financial Aid Office, aims to remove financial barriers to our students’ success,” Dr. Ameyaw-Buronyah explained.

Prof. Peter Quartey, Chairperson of the 1S1L Implementation Committee and Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), described the gathering’s purpose as the Vice Chancellor’s vision of equipping students with digital tools to improve the teaching and learning process.

He also stated that more initiatives would be launched in the future to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in the professional world after graduation.

Prof. Quartey encouraged students to spread the word about the 1S1L initiative, emphasizing that it is intended to benefit students rather than the University.

The Head of the Selection Committee, Prof. Ernest Yaw Tweneboah-Koduah, provided insight into the selection process. He explained that the laptops were intended for undergraduate and graduate students who were involved in academic research. “There was an application process, and students were ranked based on their grade point averages,” Prof. Tweneboah-Koduah explained.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo said during the presentation of the laptops to the recipients, “As Vice-Chancellor, my vision is for us to train students who are critical thinkers, technologically adaptable, culturally sensitive, and ready for work in the twenty-first century. Regardless of discipline, the student should be digitally prepared to enter the workforce after high school.”

She also expressed her satisfaction with the initiative’s progress and the number of students who have benefited so far.

Prof. Amfo expressed gratitude to the generous donors who have contributed to the initiative. She also praised the 1S1L Implementation Committee for their tireless efforts in driving the initiative’s implementation.

Prof. Amfo also praised the Students Financial Aid Office for its critical role in the selection process in ensuring that deserving students have access to this critical tool for their academic journey, as well as the Public Affairs Directorate for its support of the initiative.

Claudius Angsongna, President of GRASAG-UG, and Frank Tsikata, President of UGSRC, both expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, donors, and members of the 1S1L Implementation Committee in separate remarks. They also urged the recipients to use the laptops wisely and keep them in good condition.

On his part, UGSRC President Frank Tsikata announced that plans are in the works for the SRC to support the initiative by donating to the Vice-Office. Chancellor’s

The Vice-1S1L Chancellor’s Initiative continues to make progress in assisting students in their pursuit of academic excellence and personal development, allowing them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Credit: UG