The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has appealed for improved information and communication technology infrastructure, including a larger data centre, a dedicated computer laboratory and better internet connectivity, to support its growing academic and administrative needs.
The university raised the concerns during a visit by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, as part of his two-day working tour of the Volta Region.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato said the university needed stronger digital infrastructure to support teaching, research, student services and the growing use of technology in healthcare education.
She explained that although the university had received a data centre through support from the Ministry of Communication, the existing facility was too small to meet its current requirements.
According to her, UHAS would welcome assistance to repurpose a disaster recovery site into a more suitable data centre capable of hosting the university’s systems and potentially supporting other institutions.
The university also identified inadequate internet connectivity as a major challenge, particularly at its Sopane campus, where access remains poor. Some of its other campuses are also experiencing connectivity difficulties.
Professor Lydia Aziato further indicated that the institution lacked a central library and a dedicated computer laboratory, resulting in the use of different spaces to provide computer-related services and training.
She appealed for support to establish a computer laboratory or electronic library to improve students’ access to digital learning resources.
The university’s ICT Directorate also highlighted shortages of personnel and equipment, which it said affected its ability to meet the institution’s expanding technology needs.
The concerns come as UHAS seeks to strengthen digital education and position itself as a centre for artificial intelligence in healthcare. The university is also considering integrating courses under the One Million Coders Programme into its curriculum, subject to approval by its academic board.
During the visit, Hon. Sam George acknowledged the importance of digital infrastructure in supporting the programme and broader educational objectives.
The minister also presented 200 Core i5 laptops to the university through the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), describing the allocation as an initial phase intended to support digital skills training.
He acknowledged that the number of laptops was relatively small compared with the university’s approximately 11,000 students but explained that further support would depend partly on how effectively the equipment was used.
Sam George said the ministry would monitor utilisation and uptake, stressing that public resources must be deployed effectively and should not become underused assets.
The university’s appeal highlights the need for digital skills initiatives to be supported by reliable connectivity, adequate equipment and infrastructure capable of sustaining technology-driven education.
