PRESEC Celebrates 86 Years with the Inauguration of State-of-the-Art AI Centre

The Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) recently celebrated its 86th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history. The celebration not only commemorated its academic excellence and tradition of extracurricular success but also highlighted the inauguration of a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre. This new facility, funded by the 1999 Year Group, underscores PRESEC’s commitment to preparing its students for the challenges of the 21st century.

The anniversary event was an occasion to reflect on the school’s accomplishments and set the tone for its future in the realm of technology and education. In his address to the gathered alumni, students, staff, and special guests, Headmaster David Odjija highlighted the impressive achievements of PRESEC over the past year. He proudly noted that 94.6% of students who sat for the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) qualified for tertiary education, a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he mentioned the school’s success in national competitions, with PRESEC winning top prizes in STEMnovation, Moot Court, and National Public Speaking.

“These accolades are proof of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by both staff and students,” Odjija stated. “We continue to uphold the legacy of excellence at PRESEC.”

In his remarks, Odjija reaffirmed the school’s mission to offer a well-rounded education focused on discipline, integrity, and academic achievement. He emphasized that PRESEC would continue striving to enhance the learning environment for future generations. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and the alumni for their continued support, particularly highlighting the church’s generous donation of over GH¢2 million in recent years to fund renovations and development projects at the school.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Education

A key highlight of the event was the guest speaker, Mr. Bright Simons of Imani Africa, who delivered a powerful address on “Artificial Intelligence in 21st Century Education: Opportunities and Challenges.” In his speech, Simons stressed the need for African countries, especially Ghana, to prioritize AI research and education to remain competitive in a rapidly advancing global economy. He encouraged educational institutions to invest in AI training and development to build a skilled workforce capable of navigating the challenges of the modern world.

Simons pointed out that in a continent with limited resources, it is even more crucial to master AI and make it an integral part of educational curriculums. He described AI as a transformative technology that not only enhances various industries but also drives innovation across different fields. “AI is not just a tool; it’s a steering technology that will help us achieve greater advancements in many areas,” he emphasized.

A Legacy Project: The AI Centre

The most significant moment of the anniversary celebrations was the official commissioning of the GH¢7.1 million AI Centre, which has been described as a game-changer for STEM education in Ghana. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible through the generous contributions of the PRESEC 1999 Year Group in collaboration with the school administration and alumni president, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong.

The newly inaugurated AI centre, named the Odadee 99 eXperience Center, is a first-of-its-kind in West African secondary schools. It features advanced computing systems, robotics stations, design studios, and lecture spaces, providing students with the tools they need to develop their problem-solving and innovation skills. The centre is also equipped with solar power and green certifications, aligning with global sustainability standards and making it a truly future-forward facility.

In his speech, Odjija commended the 1999 Year Group for their visionary support, calling the project “unprecedented in Ghana” and a model for other schools in the country. He emphasized that the AI Centre would position PRESEC as a leader in educational technology and inspire future generations to excel in STEM fields.

Dr. Sarpong, the president of the alumni association, also praised the year group’s efforts, noting that the project is not just a milestone for the school but a significant contribution to the advancement of STEM education in Ghana. “This facility will be instrumental in nurturing the next generation of technology leaders,” he said.

A Vision for the Future

The opening of the Odadee 99 eXperience Center represents more than just a physical structure; it embodies PRESEC’s vision of shaping the future of education in Ghana. By prioritizing technology and AI education, the school is positioning its students to lead in an increasingly digital world. The AI Centre will empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

PRESEC’s 86th anniversary not only celebrated its rich legacy but also set the stage for a bright future, with a strong emphasis on innovation, technology, and the development of well-rounded, forward-thinking leaders. Through initiatives like the AI Centre, PRESEC continues to build on its tradition of excellence and prepare its students to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s world.