The Minister of State in charge of tertiary education, Prof. Kwesi Yankah, has reiterated government’s commitment to providing the needed funds to assist infrastructural development of the country’s technical universities.
The minister, who was represented by the Chief Director of the ministry – Prof. Baba Insah, said that in line with realisation of the pivotal role that technical and vocational skills plays in the economy, government has through the GETFund and other statutory funding policies provided funding for developing infrastructure across the campuses of technical universities.
He was speaking at the 2nd congregation of the Tamale Technical University, where 633 students graduated with Higher National Diploma (HND) and other certificate programmes.
According to him, the promotion of technical education is not an option for the country- adding that the fact all polytechnics have now been converted into technical universities is an amplification of government’s commitment to the acquisition of technical skills that will lead to job creation.
He noted that government, through its flagship programme Free SHS, wants all technical universities to be ready to absorb the large numbers that will soon be knocking on the doors of universities across the country.
To staff
To staff of technical universities, he said: “I wish to remind you that the changing trends demand changing qualifications and attitudes for every member of staff at technical universities”.
To graduates
“My dear students, as you graduate today, remember that you are considered as skilled and empowered graduates who must use the skills you have acquired over the period to help society solve its problems,” he said.
He further urged them not to allow the negative forces of social media to consume them, but rather use it to promote their work as skilled graduates.
Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Al-Hassan Emil Abdulai, said new academic programmes which contribute to sustainable development of the nation will soon be introduced by the university.
He noted that adequate funding for higher education has been one of the challenges of universities in the country, hence the need for government to accelerate action on its commitment to funding relevant and sector-specific research work to add to the already existing book allowances.
He also urged the new graduates to be job-creators and not job-seekers by making use of the entrepreneurial skills acquired while on campus.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abass Braimah, urged current students to study hard so as to achieve their set goals – assuring them that leaders of the university will not relent in their efforts to create an atmosphere that will make academic work conducive for both lecturers and students.
