Vodafone Ghana, in partnership with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has launched Tech Hub, which provides a unique environment where like-minded and focused technology entrepreneurs can meet and network to collaborate, work, learn and have fun.
Speaking at the ceremony Mr. Michael Nii Boye Adjei, the Commercial Director of Vodafone Ghana, expressed his appreciation to the Vice–Chancellor and the entire leadership of KNUST for partnering Vodafone in the realization of a dream nurtured by a group of industrious students called mFriday. He said that the day marked clearly, another milestone in the partnership between academia and industry, and Vodafone, as always was privileged to be the first in promoting innovation and student entrepreneurship.
He added that being the most respected telecommunications operator in Ghana, Vodafone’s participation in this initiative is a strong indication of its preparedness to support education in Ghana through innovation and technology. The Hub, which was fully furnished by Vodafone, has equipment including servers, computers, smart phones and other devices covering a wide range of user platforms.
Mr. Pierre Brunache, Jnr, Co-Founder of mFriday, said that the group, which consisted of students from the University, was established in September 2011, with the aim of challenging students to be innovative and creative entrepreneurs. He also said that the group aimed at making and leaving a legacy in Ghana as these students would be geniuses at identifying, analysing and solving complex problems not only on campus but also in the outside world.
The Pro Vice – Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Peter Donkor, who was also present at the occasion, said that he was very happy with what he called, “The Deliberate Academic Partnership.” He elaborated by saying that in a technologically and business-focused high institution such as KNUST, the advent of a tech hub would automatically propel the university amongst the highest ranked in Africa. This is the reason for providing the space and environment that Vodafone needed. He went on to say that even though there were similar facilities in Kenya and other countries, this establishment was the first of its kind because it merged the efforts of a reputable telecom giant like Vodafone, the university and the mobile application organisation, mFriday. “We are happy to be the first university in Africa to have such a partnership to prepare the next Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell and Mark Zukerberg”, he added.
