Gov’t urged to adequately equip newly created technical universities

Government has been asked to adequately provide equipment and facilities to technical universities to realise their full potentials.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Professor Jerry Kuma, explained this is the only way to ensure they effectively contribute to the strategic development of the nation. Professor Kuma, who also doubles as the Chairman of Vice Chancellors, expressed worry over the daunting challenges militating against the ability of technical universities at Koforidua.

Addressing management and staff of the new Koforidua Technical University, he noted that the ability of government and industry to assist the technical universities would empower them to deliver and hence bridge the existing gaps.

“Our students should have access to well equipped laboratories and specialist assistance as well as some mentoring; this can be achieved through close partnership between industry and technical universities.”

He also advised the technical universities to have a second look at their course outlines, be more innovative and research more to come out with relevant practical solutions for the society’s need.

“Technical universities must commit themselves to research and much of it must be innovative,” he said adding, “in this era of technology, we need people who can assess their bearing on the country’s development, and help develop a suitable national technology strategy apart from teaching new and better skills.”

The Chancellor of the Koforidua Technical University, Professor Smile Dzisi, said with its new status, KTU will have a course content that would be more practical and oriented with a critical level of monitoring and evaluation.

Some 2,417 students were admitted to the Koforidua Technical University for the new academic year.