In an increasingly digital world where cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing threats, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is more urgent than ever.
At the forefront of this response in Ghana is Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-Ghana)—a private tertiary institution rapidly becoming a powerhouse for cutting-edge, practical and globally-relevant education in cyber security, digital forensics, artificial intelligence and computing & technology.
Located at North Legon, Accra, with a growing presence in Kumasi, Wisconsin is setting new standards with its newly rolled out Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cyber Security and Master’s programmes in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, Information Technology, and Business Computing. These are not just academic programmes—they’re launchpads into the real-world fight against cyber threats.
Why cybersecurity at Wisconsin?
According to Dr. Kofi Annan, Dean of the School of Computing and Technology at WIUC-Ghana, “Cyber Security is no longer optional, it is essential. At Wisconsin, we’re not just teaching theory. We are training the next generation of cyber defenders who are ready to respond to real-world threats.”
As banking, healthcare, education and governance shift online, so too does the battlefield. In Ghana and across Africa, cyber threats such as mobile money fraud, phishing scams, ransomware, identity theft and deepfake manipulation are on the rise.
Cybercrime is projected to cost the world over US$10.5trillion annually by 2025, highlighting the urgency of producing professionals who can protect digital assets, national infrastructures and individual identities.
National recognition for cyber excellence
Wisconsin’s growing influence and strength in cybersecurity education were nationally recognised at the 2024 Cybersecurity Authority of Ghana Awards, a prestigious event attended by the President at the time, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
At this ceremony, Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, was honoured with the Industry Partnership Award, a testament to its continuous commitment and outstanding contributions to cybersecurity development and training in Ghana.
Further cementing its leadership in the field, Wisconsin-trained faculty members have been selected as independent assessors for the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana.
From a competitive pool of over 1,000 cybersecurity professionals nationwide, Dr. Kofi Annan, now Dean of the School of Computing and Technology, and Dr. Patrick Kudjo, Head of the IT Department, were among only 18 certified personnel selected and endorsed by the authority.
These achievements reflect Wisconsin’s dedication not only to education but to shaping national policy and cybersecurity standards.
A lab built for the future
What sets Wisconsin apart is its state-of-the-art Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Lab—a facility unmatched in most Ghanaian institutions. This lab houses industry-standard investigative and AI-integrated tools that give students hands-on experience in detecting, analysing and preventing cyberattacks.
Key globally acclaimed tools in the lab include:
Faraday Black Box & Faraday Bags: Used to isolate digital devices from wireless communication during investigations, preventing remote wiping or tampering with evidence.
Oxygen Forensics Detective Kit: A comprehensive digital forensics tool used for extracting, analysing and reporting data from mobile devices, cloud services and IoT devices.
Ultra-Block Forensics Card Reader: Ensures write-blocked acquisition of data from storage devices, preserving the integrity of digital evidence for legal admissibility.
Tableau Forensics Imager TX1 and TX4: Industry-leading tools for imaging hard drives and solid-state drives at high speed, enabling precise forensic analysis of large data sets.
Digital Microscope: Allows for detailed inspection of hardware components, chipsets and physical traces of tampering in cybercrime hardware investigations.
Meta Quest VR Headsets: Used in cybersecurity training simulations and virtual risk scenario modelling. Also supports education in AI-driven immersive environments.
3D Printer: Facilitates rapid prototyping and demonstration of hardware exploits or security devices, and supports innovation in tech entrepreneurship and AI-integrated designs.
Drones: Utilised for surveillance simulations, mapping digital terrain for AI and cybersecurity scenarios, and for training in counter-drone cybersecurity protocols.
This advanced equipment enables students to engage with real-world simulations of cyberattacks, evidence collection, incident response and AI-driven threat prediction—skills that are in high demand globally.
A broader tech vision
Beyond Cybersecurity, the School of Computing and Technology offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including BSc. Cybersecurity, BSc. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, BSc. Computing with Financial Analysis, BSc. Management and Computer Studies, BSc. Computing with Actuarial Science, BSc. Information Technology, and Diploma in IT.
These programmes provide students with skills in software engineering, systems analysis, database management, cloud computing and AI innovation, preparing them for multiple career paths in tech.
Practical focus, global perspective
Wisconsin’s commitment to practical, industry-relevant education is reflected in its curricula developed with input from global industry experts; lecturers with deep industry experience in cybersecurity, AI and computing; mandatory internships and capstone projects with banks, tech companies and security agencies; regular guest lectures and workshops by cybersecurity professionals and academic pathways for postgraduate studies in cybersecurity and IT.
Partnerships and recognition
Wisconsin International University College is fully accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and affiliated with the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast. The institution is building strategic partnerships with global and local tech firms to offer students internship opportunities, joint research and industry certifications.
Enrolment open
WIUC-Ghana is currently accepting applications for its August/September 2025 intake on both the Accra and Kumasi campuses. With flexible schedules for regular, weekend and evening classes, the university ensures that both young students and working professionals can access world-class education in Cybersecurity and Computing.
For anyone seeking to future-proof their career in technology, Wisconsin offers not just a degree but a decisive advantage in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
