Engineering training critical for nation’s dev't – Prof. Ampadu

Professor Samuel Innocent Ampadu, Provost of the College of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has asked corporate bodies to commit resources towards the advancement of engineering training.

“It was imperative for them to pay particular attention to resourcing laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment, expand lecture theatres and institute incentive packages to motivate students and faculty members to address engineering-related challenges confronting the nation.”

Professor Ampadu said what the building industry, for instance, needed most was the services of well-trained engineers and those with in-depth knowledge about the profession to benefit the nation, particularly in the face of the persistent collapse of buildings.

He was addressing the “1998 Year Group” of the College at a meeting in Kumasi. This was after the Group had presented laboratory equipment to the Civil Engineering Department.

The Geo-technical equipment included liquid and plastic sets, Cassagrande apparatus, glass cylinder, glass plate, grooving tool, hydrometer jars, moisture content containers with lids, as well as crucible and spatula equipment.

Professor Ampadu indicated that the onus lies on alumni of the University to endeavour to bring their expertise to bear, through mentoring and public lectures, to motivate engineering students to strive for excellence in their career development.

Professor Mohammed Salifu, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, lauded the Group for the gesture, saying the time had come for the nation to involve qualified engineers in the building processes.

This, he said, would foster quality work at all stages to ensure value for money.

Mr. Joojo Adinkra-Appiah, leader of the Group paid tribute to past and present lecturers of the College for their dedication to work and commitment which had seen the KNUST churned out the requisite human-resource to spearhead Ghana’s growth in various sectors of the economy, as well as the building industry.

The Group, he said, would continue to collaborate with the College to achieve its mission statement.