The Management of Accra Technical University (ATU) has welcomed a delegation from the National Defence University (NDU), Ghana, to learn from ATU’s experience in university management, academic administration and its transition from a polytechnic to a technical university.
The visit took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the University’s Council Chamber. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, welcomed the delegation, which was led by Air Vice Marshal Adom Asante, to discuss how ATU’s experience could support the growing University.
NDU brings together higher education and training institutions within the Ghana Armed Forces. It offers education in defence, security, engineering, health and other fields to military personnel, other security services and civilians. The University also oversees academic programmes across its colleges.
Air Vice Marshal Asante outlined the University’s background and its plans for growth. The visit was intended to help NDU draw lessons from ATU as it develops its academic and administrative systems.
A key area of interest was ATU’s transition from a polytechnic to a technical university. The delegation learnt about the changes made during this period, the challenges encountered and the lessons gained. ATU also shared how its Governing Council, Academic Board and committees guide decisions and support the running of the University.
The discussions paid particular attention to academic staff ranks and promotions. The delegation sought to understand how ATU handled staff placement during the transition and how it manages appointments, promotion requirements and career progression.
The team also learnt about the systems ATU uses to maintain teaching and learning standards. These included programme reviews, student feedback, internal checks and the processes for gaining approval for academic programmes.
Academic administration formed another part of the exchange. ATU shared its experience in developing programmes and managing admissions, examinations, student progression and graduation. The discussions also covered planning and the use of digital systems to support academic work and daily administration.
Both institutions explored possible cooperation in engineering, practical training and research. They also discussed opportunities for joint publications, conferences and staff development.
The visit built on existing links between ATU and military training institutions. In its request for the meeting, NDU acknowledged ATU’s role in helping Ghana Armed Forces personnel attain tertiary qualifications through existing agreements.
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