Sunyani: Sunyani Technical University (STU) is set to advance into the second phase of its Science Park project following the approval of a GH?72 million GETFund clearance. Professor Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, the Vice-Chancellor of STU, announced that the contractor has already commenced work on the project site. Additionally, recent financial clearance from the government has enabled the procurement of essential teaching and learning equipment such as computers, projectors, and classroom furniture to bolster academic delivery.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Adinkrah-Appiah made these remarks during the university's 18th graduation ceremony, which took place in Sunyani under the theme 'Sustainable Skills Development for Global Job Creation and Employability.' A total of 1,896 students graduated for the 2024/2025 academic year. He expressed gratitude to the government for its ongoing support and requested further assistance, particularly for constructing a hostel facility to accommodate the increasing student population.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and sustainable approach to human capital development. He stressed the necessity for graduates to acquire adaptable skills, encourage innovation, and promote enterprise development and employability in an evolving global economy. Achieving sustainable skills development requires the collective efforts of the government, academia, industry, and communities to ensure training systems remain relevant and responsive to global trends.
Professor Adinkrah-Appiah noted that STU's vision aligns with Ghana's National Development Agenda, specifically the government's commitment to positioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a crucial driver of industrialization and job creation. He highlighted initiatives like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and the Ghana CARES 'Obaatan Pa' programme, which focus on equipping young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills for opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the emerging green economy.
Addressing the challenges faced by the university, he cited inadequate lecture halls, limited hostel accommodation, and a poor internal road network. He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama for assistance in constructing a 1,200-bed capacity hostel and providing an asphalt overlay for the university's 6.0-kilometre internal road network, including the Waterloo section.
He encouraged the graduates to understand that success in today's world requires more than academic knowledge. He emphasized that the future belongs to those who apply their skills sustainably, think critically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to society.