Accra Technical University’s 75th-anniversary celebration reached new heights with the inaugural CEOs Lecture Series. Themed “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovation,” the event took place on April 25, 2024, at the university’s auditorium.

The event featured esteemed speakers including Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies; Nana Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, CEO of Kantanka Group of Companies; and Mr. Jeffrey Agyepong, Head of Youth and Inclusive Banking at Access Bank, Ghana.

Together, they shared strategies and insights aimed at fostering collaborative efforts between higher education institutions and businesses. They also called on students at Accra Technical University (ATU) to develop their innovative skills and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the myriads of challenges faced by the African continent.

Dr. Agyepong, represented by Chief Investment Officer Mr. Noah Gyimah, emphasised that innovation is crucial for tackling Africa’s socio-economic challenges. He highlighted the potential of AI in transforming sectors such as healthcare, poverty alleviation, education, infrastructure, and technology.

Mr. Gyimah highlighted the abundance of opportunities available and encouraged young people to equip themselves, identify the value chain of specific innovations, and position themselves strategically.

He also urged tertiary institutions to intentionally incorporate skills training into their curricula, ensuring it aligns with industry needs. He mentioned that the Jospong Group is implementing a similar initiative, the Technician Training Curriculum, designed to equip individuals with technical skills to address practical problems.

The lecture underscored the vital role of youth and innovation in driving sustainable development across the continent, inspiring students to embrace technological advancements and creative problem-solving.