ATU, Vanuatu Trade Commission Sign MoU to Train Students in AI
The MoU formed part of a partnership between the commission and the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to train some young people across Africa in AI for free, starting from Ghana. A key component of the collaboration is the establishment of a dedicated AI training centre at the ATU for 2,000 students and staff at a sponsored cost of $250 per participant, costing $500,000 in total. Additionally, a stimulus package of $100 per participant, amounting to $200,000, brings the commission’s overall sponsorship cost for the AI training programme to $700,000. The commission will also provide a seed fund of $200,000 to support the ATU Research Innovation Funds (ARIF) to award grants to staff, students and researchers with innovative applied research projects in the university community and for advancing science and technology. The acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, said the MoU represented a pivotal moment for both institutions, as it had set the stage for a robust exchange of knowledge, resources and expertise in the field of AI. “At ATU, we believe in the transformative power of technology to drive innovation, solve complex problems and improve the lives of our societies. Through this partnership, we are committed to harnessing the potential of AI to address pressing challenges and foster sustainable development in our respective regions,” he said. Prof. Acakpovi expressed gratitude to the Vanuatu Trade Commission for its commitment towards collaboration and the vision to harness AI for positive change across Africa.
ATU Management Donates MiFi Devices to Teaching Staff to Enhance Remote Teaching and Research
Management of Accra Technical University (ATU) has donated MiFi devices to its teaching staff to support remote teaching and research. The donation, which took place on May 30, 2024, at the council chamber, aims to address the challenges associated with online learning. According to the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, this initiative is a plus for management and teaching staff. He emphasised that the devices would complement teaching and research, creating a safe and conducive environment for learning. Prof. Acakpovi highlighted the need to strengthen quality assurance around online learning, ensuring that teaching staff have the necessary tools to excel. He encouraged staff to utilise the devices effectively, promoting remote work and flexible learning. Mr. Hanson Obiri-Yeboah, Chairman of the Technical University’s Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), representing the teaching staff, received the devices on their behalf and thanked the Management for the donation. He assured Management that the devices would be used for their intended purpose. He acknowledged the challenges faced by lecturers working on and off campus and urged management to continue supporting staff with modern tools to enhance teaching and learning. He added that TUTAG will continue to collaborate with Management to identify issues bothering teaching staff and proffer solutions to effectively tackle them.
