By: Kingsley Nana Buadu Government has resolved to ensure Ghana does not miss out in the 4th industrial revolution which is technology, artificial intelligence and robotics as it missed out in the first to third revolutions.As a result, ten new Science, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) boarding schools are being constructed across the country.
The Deputy Director Of Education In-Charge of Tertiary at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Eric Nkansah, said 4 out of the ten STEM schools have been completed and have already admitted students this academic year.Dr. Nkansah announced this at the launch of a five (5) year strategic plan for the Cape Coast Technical University, CCTU, in Cape Coast.
It is expected to guide the institution in realising its vision of becoming a world class University.The vision of the Cape Coast Technical University is to be a leading technologically, innovative and entrepreneurial Technical University with a reputation in green and renewable energy technologies.Following its niche area, the University has already developed a solar powered tricycle that is without crutches, automated hand washing machine and others in line with promoting clean energy.The five year strategic plan is anchored on Research, Innovation and consultancy services, Human Resource Development, Institutional and Stakeholder Collaboration, Teaching, learning and good students experience and infrastructure and ICT development.Income generation, governance and institutional culture and development of the niche area which is clean and renewable energy are among the major pillars of the plan.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Prof. Joshua Danso Owusu-Sekyere, noted that, given the challenges the world is confronted with currently, Technical education has become more relevant.
He explained, the University is prepared to produce students who are not only knowledgeable in their fields but equipped with practical orientation to contribute to the development of society.A member of the Strategic Plan committee, Dr Stephen Agyeifi-Mensah, made a presentation of the plan.
The Deputy Director Of Education In-Charge-of-Tertiary at the Ministry of Education, said their goal is to make teaching and learning fascinating and desirable for faculty and students.
Dr. Eric Nkansah, commended the leadership of the University for the vision and the plan which is in line with government overall agenda for University education.According to him, government is seeking to increase the ratio of students enrolment in STEM education at the Tertiary level from 40 percent to 60 percent by 2030.
A representative from Industry, Prof. Ato Duncan, who is the president of COA, presented to the University an amount of 40 Thousand Ghana Cedis to support the implementation of the plan and further pledged an amount of 20- Thousand Cedis each year for the next three years.The strategic plan was finally unveiled.
