Sunyani based local Contractor and a philanthropist Mr. Abdul Samad Nurudeen has called on tertiary institutions to actively engage in solving the challenges faced by the communities in their vicinity, particularly those within their operational areas.
According to Mr. Nurudeen, there is often a disconnect between educational institutions and their host communities, leading to a situation where locals do not experience the direct benefits of having such establishments on their land.
Speaking in an interview after donating a brand-new Opel saloon car to the Catholic University of Ghana in Fiapre, Mr. Nurudeen, who is a native of the Fiapre community in the Bono Region, emphasized the importance of inclusivity.
He pointed out that the land on which these institutions operate was once a source of livelihood for families who may now feel sidelined as institutions flourish around them.
“These families should feel connected to the institution, either directly or indirectly.
The well-being of the community should be a priority,” he said, adding that when community members face economic hardships and lack educational opportunities, the ripple effects may impact the institution’s students and its environment.
Mr. Nurudeen urged educational institutions to think beyond traditional scholarships, suggesting instead that they develop community-oriented programs such as free vacation classes or skills training sessions.
These, he believes, would allow young people to experience the benefits of the institution’s presence in their community.
He further encouraged the university to collaborate with community leaders, including the local chief, to address pressing issues in the area.
“As research centers, institutions can harness their resources to find innovative solutions to local problems, creating lasting positive impacts for both the school and the community,” he said.
He also addressed the sentiments of discontent that may arise when locals observe outsiders benefiting from resources derived from their own land.
“It’s natural for resentment to build when families who released their land receive little to no benefit, while others enjoy the institution’s resources and opportunities,” Mr. Nurudeen remarked.
Receiving the generous donation, the Vice Chancellor of Catholic University of Ghana, Fiapre, Professor Daniel Obeng Ofori, expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Nurudeen’s thoughtful gesture.
He praised Mr. Nurudeen for being the first native of Fiapre to make such a substantial contribution to the university and commended the people of Fiapre for their longstanding peaceful coexistence with the institution.
“This gesture reflects the goodwill of our host community, and it is a momentous occasion for us. We encourage the community to continue supporting the university’s growth, as we all strive to make it an institution we can be proud of,” Professor Ofori stated.
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