The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has challenged technical universities across the country to place employable skills and hands-on practical entrepreneurship at the centre of their academic delivery to better prepare graduates for the job market.
According to him, as the government commits additional resources to resetting Ghana’s education system, institutions of higher learning are expected to work closely with industry to develop transformational curricula that will strengthen the economy and improve standards of living.
The Minister made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the 22nd Congregation of the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) in Koforidua over the weekend.
Reading the address, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Smile Dzisi, explained that the government’s reset agenda is focused on making education not only accessible and inclusive, but also more meaningful and impactful.
According to him, the agenda places strong emphasis on the development of employable skills, the promotion of innovative enterprises, and the advancement of excellence in human capital both locally and internationally.
“It is expected that our institutions of higher learning will collaborate with industry in leading the conversation on transformational curricula needed to leapfrog the country into a stronger economy and a better standard of living.
“I challenge Koforidua Technical University, and by extension all technical universities, to place employable skills and hands-on practical entrepreneurship at the core of their education delivery,” the Minister stated.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Technical Education for Innovation, Employability and Global Competitiveness,” saw a total of 3,011 students graduate in various programmes.
Addressing the graduands, the Vice-Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University, Professor John Owusu, urged them to apply the practical knowledge and skills acquired to solving real-life problems in their communities.
“The challenges of the world are waiting for your solutions,” he told the graduates. “Your wealth, success, reputation and fame are hidden in the challenges around you, and it is by providing solutions that you unlock them.”