PRESEC marks 86th anniversary with commissioning of AI centre

The Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC) has marked its 86th anniversary with a call on the school to prioritise artificial intelligence (AI) education in Ghana.   

The event, which celebrated decades of academic and extracurricular excellence, also unveiled a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) centre funded by the 1999 Year Group.

Achievements

Addressing the gathering, the headmaster of PRESEC, David Odjija, highlighted the school’s academic and extracurricular achievements over the past year.

He mentioned stellar performances in the 2023 WASSCE, noting that 94.6 per cent of candidates qualified for tertiary education.

He also highlighted numerous national competition victories, including top prizes in the STEMnovation, Moot Court and National Public Speaking competitions.

“These accolades reflect the commitment of staff and students in upholding our legacy of excellence,” he said.

Mr Odjija reaffirmed PRESEC’s mission to provide holistic education rooted in discipline, integrity and academic excellence.

"We will continue to work harder to make PRESEC even better for future generations," he stated.

Mr Odjija commended stakeholders, including the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the PTA and alumni for their contributions to the progress of the school.

He noted that the church had donated over GH¢ 2 million in recent years, enabling key renovations and projects to be carried out. 

AI in education

Speaking on the theme: "Artificial intelligence in the 21st Century education: Opportunities and challenges,” Mr Bright Simons of Imani Africa, who was the guest speaker, called on leaders to foster local talent and expertise in AI.

He urged educational institutions to prioritise AI research and training, highlighting the need for a skilled workforce to sustain innovations.

“In a continent where we have limited resources, that is more the reason we must master AI,” he stressed.  

Mr Simons emphasised the critical need for African nations to invest in home-grown solutions and capacity-building to ensure that AI drives sustainable progress.  

“AI will pave our way into other technology domains," he added.

Mr Simons also described AI as not just a tool but also a steering technology that influences and directs advancements in other fields.

Legacy project

The highlight of the anniversary celebrations involved the commissioning of a GH¢7.1 million AI centre for the school.

The PRESEC 1999 Year Group, in partnership with the school administration and the alumni president, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, unveiled the facility after the ceremony.

Mr Odjija praised the 1999 alumni group for their ground-breaking initiative, calling it “unprecedented in Ghana” and a potential model for other schools.

He remarked that the centre would position PRESEC as a leader in technological education, enabling students to develop critical problem-solving and innovative skills essential for the modern world.

Named the Odadee 99 eXperience Center, the AI lab is equipped with computing systems, robotics stations, design studios and lecture spaces, setting a benchmark for educational innovation in the region.

The AI Lab, which is the first of its kind for secondary schools in West Africa, also boasts state-of-the-art features, including solar power and green certification. 

Dr Sarpong also commended the year group for their visionary project and hailed the project as a game-changer for STEM education in the country.

He added that the visionary project reflected the year group’s commitment to driving technological and educational excellence in Ghana.