Fidelity Bank Ghana has donated 50 laptops to support the University of Ghana’s “One Student, One Laptop” initiative.
A release copied to Ghana News Agency on Monday said the gesture formed part of the Bank’s commitment to advancing digital access and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
The laptops were presented by Mr Julian Kingsley Opuni, Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, and his team during a visit to the University, following an earlier engagement between the Bank and Professor Nana Aba Appiah-Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor.
Mr Opuni noted that the donation was to fulfill a commitment made during the Bank’s earlier visit to the University, where both institutions discussed ways to create meaningful impact for students and the broader Ghanaian economy.
“Last year we paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor to explore how we could deepen our relationship and identify opportunities for collaboration that create real impact,” he said.
“One of the key initiatives the Vice-Chancellor highlighted was the ‘One Student, One Laptop’ programme, which stood out as an important priority.”
“As a Ghanaian bank whose fortunes are closely tied to the growth of this country, we see education as a critical investment.”
“Universities like the University of Ghana play a central role in shaping the future leadership of the country, and we believe supporting initiatives like this is part of how we contribute to that journey.”
The Managing Director said Fidelity Bank and the University would finalise a Memorandum of Understanding to create structured internship opportunities for the students.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo commended Fidelity Bank for honouring its pledge, supporting the University’s efforts to equip students with the tools they needed for the modern learning environment.
She said providing students with access to digital tools was essential for developing the critical thinking and technological capabilities required in the 21st century.
“When students have access to their own devices, they are able to explore, innovate and learn in ways that may even surprise us,” she said.
“The ‘One Student, One Laptop’ initiative is, therefore, an important step towards equipping our students with the digital skills they need to thrive.”
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that partnerships between universities and industry were essential in preparing students for the changing demands of the job market.
“As a university, we cannot shoulder the responsibility of preparing students for the job market alone. It is simply impossible,” Prof. Appiah Amfo said.
“By the time a curriculum is developed and students progress through their studies, the demands of the workplace may already have changed.”
She noted that the best way forward was through strong partnerships with industry, welcoming the ongoing discussions about internship opportunities and broader collaboration with Fidelity Bank.