Accra Technical University (ATU) continues to shine on the international stage as its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, delivered a keynote address at the highly esteemed Going Global Africa 2024 Conference. The event, organized by the British Council, took place from November 26–29, 2024, bringing together thought leaders, educators, and policymakers across the continent to discuss transformative strategies for higher education.
Revolutionising Education for a Future-Ready Workforce
In “Addressing the Skills Gap: Competencies Students Will Need in 2050,” Prof. Acakpovi emphasized the need to blend advanced technologies with human creativity and empathy. He called for reimagining education that prioritizes critical areas such as sustainability, global citizenship, and inclusivity, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in industries that demand technical expertise, social intelligence, and adaptability. Noting the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and quantum technology, Prof. Acakpovi stressed the need for graduates to possess technical and interpersonal skills to succeed in a dynamic global workforce. He highlighted strategies to bridge the skills gap, including curriculum innovation, strengthening technical and vocational education (TVET), fostering digital transformation, and expanding global partnerships.
ATU: A Leader in Technical Education and Innovation
In his address, Prof. Acakpovi showcased ATU’s achievements as a model institution driving innovation and excellence in technical education. He highlighted the launch of 23 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and 11 Master of Technology (MTech) programs tailored to meet industry demands. These programs, he said, are designed to provide students with practical, cutting-edge knowledge that aligns with emerging trends. He also cited groundbreaking research achievements at ATU, including the development of vision-based artificial intelligence systems and renewable energy innovations, as examples of the university’s commitment to addressing real-world problems through technology, inspiring all associated with ATU to contribute to the betterment of society.
Prof. Acakpovi further emphasized ATU’s global collaborations with leading institutions, including London South Bank University, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, and A-Tech Korea. These partnerships, he explained, enhance research opportunities, promote international knowledge exchange, and provide students and faculty with a global perspective. He also celebrated ATU’s recognition as the Best Technical University in West Africa for 2024 and its ranking as the fourth-best university in Ghana in 2023 by THE Rankings, describing these accolades as a testament to the university’s dedication to excellence.
A Visionary Outlook
Concluding his presentation, Prof. Acakpovi stressed the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. “The Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions bring both challenges and opportunities,” he said, adding, “ATU is committed to leading the transformation of education by providing our students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.” ATU’s engagement in the Going Global Africa Conference further reaffirms its technical education and innovation leadership, highlighting its determination to empower graduates to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape.