Accra: Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has urged Southshore University College to collaborate with industry and other stakeholders to ensure its programs align with labor market demands. He made this call during the grand launch of the University in Accra, emphasizing the importance of the institution's focus on data science and artificial intelligence to position Ghana as a competitive knowledge hub in Africa.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Iddrisu highlighted that this initiative supports the nation's digitization agenda and reinforces Ghana's commitment to innovation-driven development. The Minister's remarks were delivered during a speech read on his behalf at the launch event, themed 'From Africa, A New Light.' He noted that the occasion marked a significant milestone in both the University's history and Ghana's evolving higher education landscape.
Mr. Iddrisu stated that the theme of the event aligns with the Ministry's policy direction, which advocates for Ghana to transition from merely consuming external knowledge to becoming a leading producer of ideas and solutions for global challenges. This vision, he explained, is consistent with national development frameworks that prioritize education as a pillar of industrialization, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth.
The Minister highlighted the Ministry's ongoing reforms focusing on relevance, quality, equity, and accountability across all education levels. He praised the University for its emphasis on higher learning, entrepreneurship, research, and character formation, aligning with Ghana's tertiary education policy that promotes a blend of academic excellence, innovation, ethical leadership, and practical problem-solving.
Mr. Iddrisu expressed strong support for educational models that go beyond theoretical learning to provide experiential opportunities that empower students to innovate and create value. He also urged the University's Governing Council and management to adhere to regulatory standards, quality assurance, and institutional accountability as mandated by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.
The Minister called on faculty members to extend their roles beyond teaching to include mentorship, research, and societal engagement, recognizing their contributions to maintaining high professional standards. Prof. Felix Hammond, Chair of the University's Governing Council, stated that the institution's transition represents a strategic shift towards strengthening innovation-driven education, leadership development, and global competitiveness. He described the rebranding as aligning with the University's vision to become a modern, digital-first, and industry-aligned institution.
Additionally, Dr. Patrick Awuah, founder of Ashesi University, advised the leadership of Southshore University College to embrace rebranding within the context of its strategic vision to remain globally competitive. He encouraged the University to have the courage to tackle challenging tasks, emphasizing that courage is essential for overcoming fear and achieving success.