The Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU) in Wa in the Upper West region, Sir Prof. Elias N. K. Sowley, has urged private investors, alumni, and stakeholders to partner with the university in addressing its growing infrastructure challenges, particularly the acute shortage of student hostels and deteriorating learning facilities.
Prof. Sowley made the call while receiving a donation of 20 white marker boards from the university’s alumni association, led by its president, Waris Annaakaa. The donation, valued at GH¢15,000, was aimed at replacing damaged lecture hall boards to enhance teaching and learning.
Presenting the marker boards, Alumni President Waris Annaakaa stated that the association had been exploring ways to contribute to the university’s development.
After assessing the institution’s immediate needs, they identified the deteriorating state of classroom boards as a critical challenge affecting effective teaching.
“So together, we are presenting about 20 marker boards to replace the damaged ones and enhance better teaching and learning. This donation is worth GH¢15,000, and we hope it will improve academic activities on campus,” he stated.
Prof. Sowley expressed deep gratitude, emphasizing that alumni contributions are essential to the university’s growth. “Everywhere, alumni are the driving force behind the development of institutions. They support directly and also use their networks to attract projects,” he noted.
He praised the association’s intervention, stating that the university had been going through procurement processes to secure new boards, and the donation had saved the institution much-needed funds.
Beyond classroom resources, Prof. Sowley highlighted the university’s urgent need for student hostels, which has negatively impacted student enrollment and the institution’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF). He lamented that a hostel project awarded last year had stalled after the contractor declined the job, adding that a previously abandoned hostel project was also stuck due to legal complications.
“Many do not understand that we cannot just resume work on the abandoned hostel without resolving the legal issues first. Otherwise, we risk litigation,” he explained. The university is currently working to re-award the project with GetFund’s support, but due to years of exposure to harsh weather, the structure has deteriorated, making full completion difficult.”
To resolve the crisis, Prof. Sowley called on private investors to collaborate with DHLTU under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
“We have the land, and we are willing to offer it to investors who can construct and manage hostels or other facilities, recover their investment, and later transfer them to the university,” he proposed.
He also encouraged philanthropists and corporate organizations to support the institution, emphasizing that major projects would be named after their benefactors. “We will immortalize those who assist us. Their contributions will be recognized for as long as this university exists,” he stated.
Aside from accommodation, Prof. Sowley stressed the need for an auditorium, noting that the university currently lacks a suitable venue for major events. “Right now, we hold functions outdoors, at the mercy of the weather. This is not ideal,” he said.
He also pointed to the need for more laboratories and expanded classroom space to enhance learning.
Recognizing the crucial role of alumni and local leaders, Prof. Sowley urged them to use their influence to attract investments for DHLTU’s development. “Alumni are key to driving institutional growth. Your networks and lobbying capacity can help us secure much-needed projects,” he emphasized.
