Takoradi: President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in driving national development, urging a shift in perception from TVET institutions being considered secondary to their integral role in the nation's growth.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama made these remarks at the Fourth Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana. He highlighted the importance of applied research and innovation in transitioning from theoretical studies to practical solutions, which are vital for the country's rebuilding and development agenda. The President stressed that Technical Universities must create strategic national platforms to align education with industry needs, thus shaping the future of Ghana.
The conference, themed 'Advancing TVET for Innovation, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,' aimed to underscore the significance of technical skills in the industrial sector. President Mahama described the event as a critical national platform that extends beyond academic discussions, noting that the conversion of polytechnics into Technical Universities a decade ago was a pivotal change for the country's industrialization efforts.
In his address, President Mahama announced a 10 million support fund and dedicated support for doctoral training to further this national goal. He also revealed plans for a new science university in the savannah region and two additional technical universities in Techiman and Jasikan. Additionally, he pledged a 50 million annual tertiary fund for persons with disabilities, emphasizing the need for inclusive education.
The President highlighted the importance of continuous education in STEM, AI, and Robotics from early childhood through tertiary levels to inspire future generations. He praised Wayoe Engineering Limited, a local fabrication company, as an exemplary product of technical education and reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving infrastructure and modern laboratories to support Ghana's industrialization and technological progress.
President Mahama called on education stakeholders to turn discussions into actionable outcomes, aiming to position Ghana competitively in the global market by creating an enabling environment for growth and innovation.