In a bid to contribute to technological education and innovation at the University of Ghana, Guaranty Trust Bank (GT Bank) has refurbished and handed over a state-of-the-art computer laboratory to the Department of Computer Science.
The newly refurbished facility is equipped with computers, internet access, and a projector, aimed at providing essential resources for both lecturers and students. It is also expected that the lab will contribute significantly to enhancing students' software development skills, making them industry-ready.
At an event held to officially open the facility and hand it over to the Department, Ms. Agnes Owusu-Afram, Divisional Head of Corporate Communication and Customer Experience at GT Bank, highlighted the importance of the partnership, emphasising the bank's commitment to supporting educational institutions.
“We build ICT and computer labs for schools," she explained. “Through this partnership, we have refurbished this computer lab, supplying it with computers, internet access, and a projector.” Ms. Owusu-Afram expressed hope that the maintenance of the equipment and the facility overall would be top-notch.
Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, Dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS), under which the Department of Computer Science falls, praised GT Bank's support. He noted the Department's crucial role in the University while indicating the significance of technology in today's world.
Prof. Yidana commended GT Bank's contribution, describing it as one of the most extensive supports received in recent times.
In his brief remarks, Dr. Ebenezer Owusu, Head of the Computer Science Department, explained the Department's need for infrastructure support due to its strategic role in offering various IT programmes and short courses.
“We consulted GT Bank, a very strategic partner, to come to our aid,” he said. “Today, you can all witness the beautiful thing you see here.” Dr. Owusu stated.
The handing-over ceremony included a hackathon organised by GT Bank, where students from the Computer Science Department in groups demonstrated two customer-centric solutions they had developed based on case challenges presented by the Bank. These included an AI-based customer service chatbot and a machine learning model for customer churn or retention prediction. Winners of the hackathon were awarded cash prizes and plaques.
Speaking after the conclusion of the hackathon, Dr. Caleb Osei, Chief Finance Officer of GT Bank, advised students to continue to develop solutions that meet market needs and are easy to implement. He encouraged students to understand market demands, stating, “The world is moving in their direction, and what is required of them is to understand what the market wants.”
He reiterated the commitment of the Bank to further develop the innovations demonstrated by students and maintain its partnership with the University, aiming to see how these innovations impact the bank and the business sector.
Ms. Mawuena Aborta, Senior Assistant Registrar and Administrator of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, closed the event with a vote of thanks. She commended GT Bank for its contribution towards the Vice Chancellor's Classroom Modernisation initiative. She lauded students for their presentations and urged them to continue their exemplary work.
The refurbishment of the computer laboratory and the collaboration between GT Bank and the University of Ghana exemplify the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing education and advancing technological innovation.
The event also marked a significant step towards bridging academia and industry, promoting innovation, and preparing students for the demands of the technology-driven world.
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