105 More UG Students receive laptops under the 1S1L Initiative
105 students of the University of Ghana from various disciplines and at various levels of their studies, have received laptops under the “One-Student-One Laptop (1S1L)” initiative.
So far, almost 500 students have benefitted from the initiative, which aligns with the University’s drive of leveraging technology to enhance student learning and research, as stipulated in Strategic Priority 1 (Transformative Student Experience), of the University’s Strategic Plan.
At a short ceremony to hand over the laptops to the beneficiaries, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo expressed her commitment to ensuring that every UG student has access to the necessary technological support to enable them excel in their studies.
“This is an idea that was conceived three years ago. We launched it as part of a comprehensive approach to improve the University of Ghana student experience. Ever since then, the Committee, together with my office, has worked very hard to ensure that we provide our students with comfort and technological support.”
She further attributed the University’s achievements, including the 2024 sub-Saharan Africa rankings which places UG as the first in West Africa and Ghana, to the open access to digital tools to improve academic performance.
Prof. Amfo disclosed that Management has re-equipped computer laboratories at the Computer Science Department and the IT Directorate.
“It is my dream that every student in the University will have access to a computer,” she added.
She urged beneficiaries to acquire some digital skills and take advantage of training opportunities organised by the IT Directorate and other units.
Chair of the 1S1L Committee, Prof. Peter Quartey, urged recipients to use their devices responsibly, prioritising academic pursuits over unproductive use of social media. He noted that the Committee had so far received 855 laptops and encouraged students to inform others about the programme to enable them sign up during the next round of applications.
He also outlined the three components of the initiative namely, the distribution of free laptops to needy students, the selling of laptops to students at discounted prices as well as setting up an assembly plant to manufacture laptops.
“The first two components are already in motion. The third one is currently undergoing due diligence. We have identified a firm and are about to sign an agreement to set the ball rolling.”
Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Elizier Taiba Ameyaw-Buronyah, highlighted the importance of the 1S1L initiative in providing students with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally.
“The first Strategic Priority, Transformative Student Experience’’ targets efforts to enrich the academic and personal lives of our students. Therefore, providing laptops to students under the IS1L initiative is in alignment with the life-changing experience planned for our students,’ Dr. Ameyaw-Buronyah added.
Chair of the 1S1L selection Sub-committee, Prof. Yaw Tweneboah-Kodua, outlined the free and fair process in selecting the beneficiaries. He added that the panel took into consideration academic performance and financial need of the applicants.
“For this batch, we advertised the process early June 2024, and the deadline was 27th June. 117 students applied; we shortlisted 112, 52 from Level 100, 43 from Level 200 and 17 from Level 300.”
Speaking on behalf beneficiaries, Ms. Catherine Ohenewaa Asmah, a level 100 recipient studying Political Science, Religions and Philosophy and Classics, acknowledged Management of the University for providing the much-needed tools to enhance the academic lives of students.
