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Govt Investments In Technical Universities Impressive - Dr K.K. Sarpong

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr K.K Sarpong has said the government has shown immense commitment to the development of the Technical Universities.

He said since the current government took office, it has made significant investments in infrastructure, human resource and other critical areas of the Technical Universities to enable them effectively discharge their mandate.
 
Dr Sarpong said this when he delivered the keynote address at the joint ceremony of induction into office of Professor David Kofi Essumang as the first Vice Chancellor of the Koforidua Technical University and the 16th Congregation of the institution.

He said the Technical Universities have a crucial role to play in national development and it was therefore important that they conduct applied research that would yield practical benefits as they prepare their students for the world of work.

Dr Sarpong reminded the Technical Universities that industry is looking for graduates with skills training.
 
In that context, no effort should be spared in ensuring that the students were well prepared to meet the demands of the time.

He emphasised that, since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the world has seen young men and women with technical and vocational education, come up with many safety gadgets, including mechanised hand-washing machines produced in Ghana.

While admitting that technical education at the tertiary level is quite expensive, Dr Sarpong nevertheless maintained that there is no easy way to achieving the objectives of Competency Based Training.

Therefore, if technical education at the tertiary level must be relevant, basic tools and equipment must be provided. To this end, he encouraged stakeholders of technical education to ensure that Technical Universities are well resourced to meet the policy objectives of Competency Based Training.
 
While congratulating Professor Essumang on his appointment, the GNPC CEO urged him to be innovative and technologically-minded to be able to lead the University into a prosperous future.

He further admonished him to collaborate with industry for mutual benefits, and also take bold steps to encourage industry to see the worth of Technical University education.

Dr Sarpong said it is common knowledge that the world’s economy is in crisis because of the COVID-19 pandemic which has compelled many corporate organisations and businesses to fold up.

What this means is that, support and sponsorship from corporate social responsibility models will dwindle. But this situation should not deter the University from courting and collaborating with industry.