Accra Technical University Enhances Waste Management with Acquisition of Compactor Truck
In a move to streamline waste management and reduce associated costs, Accra Technical University (ATU) has acquired a refuse garbage compactor truck, marking a significant step in the institution’s efforts to manage campus waste more efficiently. During an unveiling and handover ceremony at the University’s car park, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Amevi Ackapovi underscored the necessity of this investment, citing the rapid growth in student population and the resultant increase in waste generation as key factors. Professor Ackapovi noted that the high costs of waste management, previously outsourced to commercial companies, had become unsustainable. The new compactor truck, he explained, would not only cut these expenses but also ensure more reliable and convenient waste collection, alleviating the challenges often faced when dealing with external waste management services. He urged the University community to make prudent use of the truck, emphasizing that it should be used strictly for its intended purpose.Registrar Dr. Sylvia Oppong echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of maintaining the University’s assets, including the newly acquired compactor truck. She highlighted the critical role of a strong maintenance culture in protecting the University’s resources. The ceremony also served as an occasion for the University’s management to present vehicles to newly appointed officials. Among those who received keys were Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Felix Kutsenadie, Dean of Student Affairs Mr. Seth Allotey, Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment Dr. Bernard Arthur-Aidoo, and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Dr. Tina Wemegah. In his address, Professor Ackapovi urged the recipients to safeguard the vehicles assigned to them, warning that any misuse could lead to repossession by management. He emphasised the importance of keeping the vehicles in good condition as a reflection of their commitment to the University’s values.
Accra Technical University Shines at 5th African Energy and Sustainability Summit
Accra Technical University (ATU) has emerged as a leading force in sustainable energy education, clinching three awards at the recently concluded 5th African Energy and Sustainability Summit 2024. This remarkable achievement further solidifies ATU’s position as a trailblazer in promoting sustainable energy solutions in Africa. ATU was honoured with the Think Energy SDG Energy Curriculum Award, the SDG Teaching/Learning Award, and the Energy SDG Research in Sustainable Energy Award. These accolades recognise the university’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its academic programs, innovative teaching methodologies, and cutting-edge research in sustainable energy. The summit, held at Dodi World in Akosombo, revolved around the theme “Achieving Financial Sustainability of Africa’s Energy Transition – The Role of ESG in Attracting Investment.” The event brought together key stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, and industry leaders, to discuss and strategize on advancing Africa’s energy transition. Receiving the awards on behalf of Accra Technical University, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, expressed his gratitude and emphasised the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in driving sustainable development across the continent. He noted that these awards are a testament to ATU’s dedication to excellence and its role in shaping the future of energy in Africa. The competition was fierce, with nominees in various categories including Central University, Ashesi University, Kumasi Technical University, the University of Ghana, Academic City University College, and Takoradi Technical University. Other notable contenders were Sunyani Technical University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the Jospong Group of Companies. ATU’s success at the summit highlights its leadership in sustainable energy education and research, setting a benchmark for other institutions in Africa to follow.
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.
International Conference: Tech Trends & Future – TechFuPro, 15th to 16th August 2024
The aim of Tech-Trends and Future Careers (TecFuPro) Conference is to establish a dynamic global networking platform for businesses to collaborate, share resources, and drive sustainable growth. It identifies and promotes emerging opportunities from new technological trends while highlighting future trends and career pathways. It facilitates partnerships between educational institutions, fostering knowledge exchange, research cooperation, and cross-cultural learning opportunities. Click here for more information https://tecfupro.net
75th Anniversary 2nd CEOs Lecture Series!
Join Us for the 75th Anniversary 2nd CEOs Lecture Series! Don’t miss the exciting opportunity to be inspired by top CEOs as they share their remarkable journeys. Register now to secure your spot and help us plan an even bigger and better event. Click the link to sign up https://forms.gle/GWsA2KNhX3k1afS4A
ATU Marks 75th Anniversary with Donation to Nsawam Prisons, Mpehuasem Basic School
Accra Technical University (ATU), as part of activities to mark its 75th anniversary celebrations, donated stationery, cartons, and bags of water to the Nsawam Prisons in the Eastern Region last Thursday. The University also donated customised exercise books and pens to the Mpehuasem Methodist Basic School to aid the teaching and learning of both teachers and pupils. Presenting the items, the chairperson of the anniversary planning committee, Professor Alice Mensah, said the gesture was to help address the needs of the community in which it was situated. “The exercise also underscores the university’s commitment to community service and part of its corporate social responsibility of reaching out to community development,” she said. Professor Mensah expressed satisfaction with the educational interventions for inmates to learn vocational and technical skills after serving their sentences. She said that the university would explore opportunities of collaboration with the management of the prisons to offer courses in vocational and technical education. At Mpehuasem, she said there was a satellite campus of the university there and found it prudent to donate to the school to enhance academic studies. Prof. Mensah said the university’s doors were opened so that the school could use the science laboratory at the Mpehuasem campus for hands-on experience. She advised the students to strive for academic excellence by taking their studies seriously for a better career. Superintendent Paul Nuobepuor, Officer-in-Charge of Education and Training, Nsawam Prisons commended the university for the donation and pledged to use the items for their intended purpose. He said the prisons had schools from kindergarten to Senior High School and courses for inmates in draughtsmanship, carpentry, and electrical engineering to enhance their skills in technical and vocational training. Superintendent Nuobepuor said 24 inmates would graduate from the University of Cape Coast after undertaking degree courses in education, banking, and others. Mr Bright Loggoh, Headteacher, Mpehuasem Methodist Basic School, thanked the University for the gesture.
AHRIP Innovation Fair: Students Display Transformative Health Solutions
ATU students numbering 150 from 22 teams participating in the Africa Health Research and Innovation Project (AHRIP) showcased innovative prototypes in an Innovation Fair in the University Auditorium today, November 27, 2023. The $152,869 project, being executed by ATU and the Design Thinking Ghana Hub, is funded by the UKAid through the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa. Some of the groundbreaking innovations displayed and demonstrated included the thermoelectric vaccine carrier, portable dialysis machine, blood warmer, auto-waste segregator, aerospray vacuum stainer, and automatic stretcher, among others. The Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, who delivered the welcome address, was impressed with the various exhibits and encouraged the students to own them beyond the period of the project. He revealed that the university is set to establish an incubation centre to further the prospect of these innovations and others in the future. Representatives from the various stakeholder agencies graced the occasion. About the RISA FundThe Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund is a programme to support and strengthen research and innovation systems in six countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The programme runs from 2021 to 2024 and is funded by UKAid.The RISA mission is to provide grants to fund homegrown solutions to the continent’s toughest challenges. About AHRIPThe ATU project (Africa Health Research and Innovation Project (AHRIP)) aims to bridge the gap between research and development in the health sector by using design thinking analysis to solve real-world challenges and harnessing the talents of young emerging leaders in health innovations.
ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY IS 4TH-BEST UNIVERSITY IN GHANA
Accra Technical University has been ranked the fourth-best university in Ghana and 28th out of 88 universities in the sub-region. This was revealed in the pioneering Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023 which were announced on 26th June, 2023. ATU is the only technical university from Ghana that joined the list, with Ashesi University, the University of Ghana, and Academic City occupying the first to third positions, respectively. The metrics for ranking comprise resources and finances; access and fairness; teaching skills; student engagement; and African impact. Further, each of the five pillars has several metrics assigned to it, and the measurements are mostly based on a university’s impact on any of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Last month, ATU was adjudged the best in SDG Research at the maiden SDGs Awards held at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra last month organised by the African Global Response Energy Environment Limited, a testament to the University’s commitment to innovative, sustainable and impactful research as an institution of higher learning. According to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Amevi Acakpovi, this award is a testimony of the dedication, commitment and hard work of management, staff, faculty and students of Accra Technical University. “It is an encouragement towards the attainment of our university’s vision which is “To be recognised as the top Technical University in Ghana, with strong regional influence.” We take this award as a great motivation to continue working hard to deliver competentand qualified graduates on the global job market and to continuously excel in academicleadership”, he said. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, sometimes known as the “THE Rankings”, are university rankings that are published annually by the Times Higher Education magazine. The “THE Rankings” is frequently regarded as one of the most popular university rankings overall.
