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PRESEC 1999 Year Group to Launch AI Lab as Part of 86th Anniversary Celebration

Monday, 25 November 2024 | Ghana

PRESEC 1999 Year Group to Launch AI Lab as Part of 86th Anniversary Celebration
The 1999 Year Group of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) is set to commemorate the school’s 86th anniversary with the launch of a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab. This innovative project, spearheaded by the alumni group in collaboration with the school administration, receives additional backing from the global alumni president, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and key corporate supporters.

The grand launch is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the PRESEC campus in Legon, Accra. The President of the 1999 Year Group, Wonder Madilo, highlighted the transformative role the AI Lab will play in advancing STEM education in Ghana. He noted that the initiative aligns with the national agenda for digitalization, which successive governments have prioritized in recent years. Dubbed the "Odadee 99 eXperience Center," the lab is envisioned as a hub that will position Ghanaian and African talent at the forefront of the global digital transformation.

Richard Ansong, Chair of Finance and Communication for the AI Lab project and a Partner at PwC Ghana, elaborated on the facility’s objectives. The lab will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning with essential soft skills to bridge the gap between classroom education and industry demands. Ansong emphasized that while AI initiatives exist in other West African schools, this facility stands out as the first purpose-built center of its kind focused on equipping secondary school students with a competitive edge before they enter university. He underscored the group's commitment to PRESEC’s motto, “In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen” (In Your Light, We Shall See Light), as they strive to elevate technology and education in Ghana.

The project has gained support from various stakeholders, including early sponsors like Nana Owiredu Wadie I, the Nkosouhene of Kwahu-Nkwatia. Ansong expressed gratitude to the many donors from the 1999 Year Group who have contributed to making the vision a reality. Additionally, technical advisor Yaw Nti-Addae, a computational biologist and data engineer based in the United States, shared his optimism about the lab’s potential to drive innovation and education in Ghana. Nti-Addae encouraged corporate organizations, philanthropists, and champions of African innovation to lend their support, stressing the urgency of ensuring Africa remains competitive in the evolving AI landscape.

The launch event promises to be a blend of PRESEC’s rich traditions and its forward-thinking approach to education and innovation. As the school marks 86 years of excellence, this milestone project symbolizes its continued leadership in shaping future-ready students and fostering global competitiveness. With the support of alumni and other stakeholders, the AI Lab is poised to redefine secondary education in Ghana and the broader sub-region.

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