Bridging The Gap: Accra Technical University Advocates Closer Ties Between Universities and Industry
Accra Technical University has advocated for universities to be brought closer to industry through its 2nd CEOs Lecture Series on 15th August 2024 at the British Council. The programme stirred discussions around the theme “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem”, on a panel studded with maverick game-changers and pioneers in Technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Ghana. The exciting, yet insightful discussions were led by guest speakers Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, Executive Chairman of Celltel Networks Limited and Dr. Francis Boateng Agyenim, Director of CSIR-Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR). Speaking at the programme’s opening, Dr Agyenim called on Universities to facilitate honing innovative ideas that are rarely taught in the classrooms. He said that there is a rapid evolution in the demands of the job market, and universities should prepare and empower students to meet these demands. He called for a reorientation of mindset towards innovation and entrepreneurship. According to him, a shift from learning for memory to creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills is the most effective way of producing useful products for the job market. When asked about the issue of unemployment that has been the bane of the youth of the country, Dr. Agyenim attributed it to the fundamental lapses in our educational system that have inadvertently unfavoured creativity, and entrepreneurial skills and rather focused on getting employed by the government. He called for bringing universities closer to industry, stating that most of the ideas and innovations we see around today were started by students at the University. As such, there is a need for collaborative efforts between universities and industry to empower students to embark on innovative research that will transform industry. He alluded that this was the primary aim the first president of the country Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had in establishing the CSIR. A vision that the institute continues to realise in embarking on ground-breaking research and spurring innovations through research outcomes. Dr. Kludjeson cautioned the over-reliance on government. He mentioned that universities have the power to lead by providing a viable environment for students to realise their problem-solving and entrepreneurial potential. According to him, he believes that everybody has a role to play and there is no limit to what one can do with their ideas when given the right opportunity and empowerment. He called for equity in innovation, stating that nobody should be left out in a world dictated by “smart technologies”. ” If you put down your degree, the next question is what other skills do you have? ” He said. Responding to the question on the role of Technical Universities imbibing innovation in its students, Dr. Agyenim admonished Technical Universities not to copy the “classical Universities” He charged Technical Universities to be different in the way they do things, emphasising bridging the gap between theory and practice. He recommended more scholarships to students pursuing STEM courses to support and develop their innovative ideas. He also added that Technical Universities should set up innovative hubs that will potentially encourage creativity and innovative solutions to everyday problems. The Director of TVET, Engr. Antwi Boasiako expressed his excitement about the programme and called for such programmes to be organised at a national level for major stakeholders to benefit from the wealth of knowledge shared. He reiterated the importance of TVET education as a solution to unemployment and advised it to be incorporated at the basic level of our education so that we will train students who can rely on their skills for creating jobs and not on the government for jobs. In a closing remark made by the Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi spelt out the vision of the university’s lecture series. According to him, the forum nurtures an environment where education meets industry. He reiterated the University’s efforts to distinguish itself as the Premier Technical University through its research and innovation projects. He encouraged more partnerships with industry to fully achieve this and strive for more laurels as the 4th best University in Ghana.
Accra Technical University Leads Global Dialogue on Bridging Digital Technology and Education at TecFuPro Conference
Accra Technical University solidified its commitment to doubling its efforts in bridging the gap between digital technologies and education in a conference held on the 15th and 16th of August at the University’s Auditorium. The two-day International Conference of Tech Trends and Future Careers (TecFuPro), a collaboration between Accra Technical University, the University of Vaasa, and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland, provided a forum for experts in the tech world and professionals in academia to discuss issues surrounding trends in digital technology and how it is shaping tomorrow’s innovation. Speaking at the opening of the Conference, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi expressed the relevance of digital technologies in dictating the pace of innovation and development in the world. He emphasised that digital technologies could provide solutions to the challenges of today and for that reason needs much more attention than ever. He cited the use of Artificial Intelligence, as one of the emerging digital tools that have transformed industry and academia and therefore called on stakeholders to harness their potential in solving contemporary problems. The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey in her keynote address talked about the role of Technology and governance. According to her, digital technologies are catalysts for transforming societies. She mentioned that the conference objectives align with her outfit’s digital development initiative of making Accra a Smart City. She shared the plans of the assembly in collaboration with the Accra Digital Centre to use digital technology to transform the city of Accra in traffic management, Waste Management systems and security. She called for continuous collaboration between government, Industry and Academia as key to Ghana’s development. As such, she mentioned that she looks forward to a partnership between ATU and its partners for future projects in digital technology initiatives. She expressed her keen interest in the outcome of the conference and looked forward to having the conference report. The conference featured a panel discussion about how AI is reshaping job markets and upskilling and reskilling. A panellist at the conference, the Dean of the School of Technology and Innovations at the University of Vaasa, Professor Raine Hermans emphasised the need to bridge the gap between education and skills development. He recommended stakeholders take a critical look at the education system and provide ways of incorporating skills development into the curriculum. While he urged participants to take advantage of emerging technologies, he also cautioned not to overly rely on them as they are not to make one lazy but to help increase their output. Mr. Emmanuel Agbeko Gamor, the Digital Channels Senior Manager at MTN, shared insights on how digital technology education can be imbibed in students. He called for a revision of educational curricula to be flexible so that students are not limited in the acquisition of skills. He encouraged educators to introduce subjects like coding and programming irrespective of the courses taken by students. These, he said, are the skills needed in the foreseeable future in the job market. He urged students to indulge in extracurricular activities through internships and workshops to acquire skills that will give them a competitive advantage in the quest for jobs or creating one. Dr. Emmanuel Ndzibah, a senior lecturer at the University of Vaasa added that educators must embrace and understand the use of digital technologies to pass it on to students. He advised lecturers not to discourage students from using digital tools for projects and assignments. He urged them to be open to understanding new tools to bridge the gap between the tools and the problems we face. Dr. Emmanuel Ndzibah delivering his presentation In a similar submission, Mr. David Gowu, the Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGh) and CEO of Inngen Ghana told students to make good use of their time in school through learning how to use digital tools. He said that the demands of the job market have completely changed as companies are looking for graduates with soft skills and not just degrees, so it is important for every student to get involved in the digital wave and use it proficiently. The conference also featured study opportunities in Finland. Representatives from the University of Vaasa and the Vaasa University of Applied Science took participants through Finland’s educational system and the application processes to Finnish Universities, scholarships and student life. The TecFuPRo conference was under the auspices of Accra Technical University, University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences, and sponsored by MTN, Promasidor Ghana and PURE. The aim of the Conference is to establish a dynamic global networking platform for businesses to collaborate, share resources, and drive sustainable growth.
