ATU Vice-Chancellor Urged to Focus on University’s Growth and Development

Accra: Professor George K.T. Oduro, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education, has advised Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University (ATU), to prioritize the growth and development of the university. He emphasized the importance of enhancing professional development and the welfare of staff and students to ensure effective academic activities. According to Ghana News Agency, Prof Oduro offered this guidance during the investiture ceremony of Prof Acakpovi, who will serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2029. Prof Acakpovi has been the Acting Vice-Chancellor since 2023 following the tenure of Prof Samuel Nii Odai. Prof Oduro encouraged the Vice-Chancellor to empower staff and trust the expertise of faculty and professional staff, while also creating an environment for the Student Representative Councils to operate responsibly. He advised against micromanagement and emphasized the importance of delegation and supervision. Prof Oduro highlighted that leadership success depe nds on the collective support of the university's Governing Council, management, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students. He stressed that the Vice-Chancellor can set the direction, but it is the community that turns vision into reality. He expressed confidence in Prof Acakpovi's leadership, believing it would strengthen the university's impact and position it as a leading technical university in Ghana and beyond. He noted that Accra Technical University holds a significant place in Ghana's tertiary education landscape due to its focus on bridging theory and practice. He also mentioned the government's agenda for a 24-hour economy, which demands that technical universities prioritize practical skills development. Prof Acakpovi, in his acceptance speech, highlighted the significant institutional progress made since he assumed office as Acting Vice-Chancellor in July 2023. This includes the development of 25 postgraduate programs, 17 of which are fully accredited and operational, and the accreditation o f 30 four-year BTech programs. The university has also improved its research governance frameworks, expanded grant mobilization, and increased publications in internationally indexed journals. Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, in a speech read on his behalf, urged the Vice-Chancellor to build a university that remains closely connected to industry. He emphasized the importance of building systems that support staff and students, and instilling confidence in the quality of teaching and training. He stated that technical education should lead to skills that are applicable in the real world, preparing graduates not only to secure jobs but also to create opportunities for others.