Accra Technical University (ATU) has been named the Best Technical University in West Africa at the 2024 Africa Academia Conference and Awards held on November 14 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This honour solidifies ATU’s technical and vocational education trailblazer position, underscoring its impact across Ghana and the West African sub-region.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Ackapovi, delivered a compelling presentation at the event on the theme “The Role of Technical Universities in the Development of Africa.” In his address, he highlighted the transformative potential of technical education in addressing Africa’s developmental challenges. He emphasised the value of skills-based and competency-driven education, which, according to him, is critical for sustainable progress.
“Technical education is often undervalued, yet it directly addresses the core developmental needs of our continent. What drives a nation’s development is knowledge, practical skills, and competencies,” Prof. Ackapovi remarked.
He revealed that ATU’s Research and Innovation Hub has been pivotal in fostering groundbreaking discoveries in engineering, artificial intelligence, and anti-cancer solutions. This initiative, which sponsors applied research by students and lecturers, has positioned ATU as a leader in innovation-driven education.
Receiving the award, Prof. Ackapovi expressed profound gratitude to the university’s faculty, staff, students, and partners, crediting their collective efforts for this recognition. He dedicated the award to their unwavering commitment to advancing ATU’s mandate of delivering high-quality technical education.
“This award is not just recognition but a challenge to continue striving for excellence. It motivates us to expand our footprint in the history of African education and solidify our role as a beacon of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),” he added.
The conference, themed “Transforming Africa’s Academia for Social Impact and Progress,” brought together notable academics, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the continent. Distinguished speakers emphasised the need for African academia to align with the continent’s socio-economic needs. Contributions from other panellists, such as Rev. Prof. Cosmas Rhagot of Uzima University, Dr. Lilian Badi of Tanzania’s University of Iringa, and Ghana’s former Minister of Labour, Honourable Austin Gamey, reinforced the importance of practical, entrepreneurship-driven education and cross-border collaboration in tackling Africa’s shared challenges.
The red-carpet award ceremony celebrated institutions and individuals driving African innovation and progress. ATU’s recognition follows other prestigious accolades, including awards for its energy curriculum under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework and designation as the Best TVET Institution in Ghana at the Ghana Technical Students Awards and Tech Fair 2024.
Organised by the Business Executive Group, the Africa Academia Conference and Awards celebrates excellence in academia, governance, and business. ATU’s latest achievement demonstrates its enduring commitment to redefining technical education in Africa, paving the way for future milestones in education and innovation.