REACO International Recognises Professor Acakpovi’s Leadership in Engineering

In recognition of his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the construction engineering industry, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University (ATU), Professor Amevi Acakpovi has been awarded the prestigious REACO Prestige Award by REACO International. The award ceremony, held on the 2nd of October 2024, at the University’s Council Chamber, celebrated Professor Acakpovi’s impact in academia and industry. Presenting the award, the Executive Director of REACO International, Mr. Ebenezer Duncan Eghan, praised Professor Acakpovi for his invaluable contributions to the engineering profession. Mr. Eghan emphasised the professor’s influential role as President of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) National Committee of Ghana and highlighted his mentorship in fostering industry best practices among students He further pointed out ATU’s impressive participation in REACO International’s recent conference, which saw ten representatives from the University. He said that their participation was a sign of the University’s interest and stake in the ongoing real estate revolution in the country and beyond. Expressing his appreciation for ATU’s support, Mr. Eghan outlined REACO International’s vision of strengthening partnerships with academic institutions to explore innovative technologies, strategies, and investment opportunities in real estate. He assured the University of REACO International’s willingness to maintain a long-standing collaboration with the university should such a prospect occur in future. In his acceptance speech, Professor Acakpovi expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition. He dedicated the honour to his team at ATU, showing his deep gratitude for their commitment to pushing Accra Technical University to the forefront of technical education in Ghana. He assured his continued commitment to the development of the University and promoting construction engineering as a key driver of solutions to housing and engineering challenges in the country. The REACO Prestige Award celebrates outstanding figures in the construction engineering sector whose work has significantly contributed to the industry’s growth and sustainability. Professor Acakpovi’s leadership, both as an academic and a professional engineer, stands as a beacon of excellence in the field

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.

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. 

ATU to Build New Six-Storey Hostel, Scheduled to Commence in Three Weeks

Accra Technical University (ATU) has entered into a contract with FT Global, a local construction firm, to build a six-storey hostel facility on its Kinbu Campus. The official signing ceremony took place at the Council Chamber, marking a significant step towards alleviating the accommodation challenges faced by the university’s growing student population. The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, highlighted the urgent need for the new hostel, citing the rapid increase in student numbers due to the introduction of new programmes. He noted that the current on-campus accommodation is inadequate for the university’s staggering student population of 25,000. He said, “The completion of this project will bring much-needed relief to our students.” He stressed the importance of adhering to the project’s terms and deadlines, and assured FT Global of the university’s full support to ensure timely and successful completion. Issah Mohammed, Managing Director of FT Global, pledged to deliver a high-quality building within the stipulated timeframe. He expressed delight in the confidence reposed in his company, promising that the project would be completed to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. The sod-cutting ceremony and commencement of construction are scheduled to take place in three weeks, with an estimated project duration of 30 months. Several key university officials, including the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the Internal Auditor, the Director of Procurement, and the Director of Works and Physical Development attended the signing ceremony. This new hostel facility is expected to significantly improve the living conditions for ATU students, providing a modern and spacious accommodation option that meets the growing demands of the university community.