By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The Takoradi Technical University (TTU) has climaxed its 70th anniversary celebrations with the theme ’70 Years of Societal Relevance: Projecting Excellence and Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training’.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Vice Chancellor-TTU Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun noted that for seven decades TTU has been a beacon of hope and progress, shaping lives and contributing immensely to national development.
“Through education, research and innovation, this institution has consistently aligned itself with the needs of society, producing graduates equipped to meet the demands of industry and the ever-evolving global landscape,” he pointed out.
He continued: “We take great pride in the strides we have made over the years, particularly under the Strategic Plan. This plan has served as a roadmap for institutional development and seen significant milestones being achieved across all facets of the university”.
He highlighted some of the accomplishment as: maintaining and upgrading facilities; regular preventive maintenance – which has become a hallmark in TTU’s operation; and ensuring that infrastructure meets the highest standards.
He said at Akatakyi Campus the university has fully constructed and operationalised the place to serve as a hub for practical training, providing state-of-the-art facilities to support hands-on learning for students.
He added: “We have ongoing projects such as the construction of a four-storey ICT complex at the university, which is a major initiative aimed at providing state-of-the-art facilities to meet the academic community’s evolving digitalisation needs. When completed, this project is expected to house ICT laboratories, an Artificial Intelligence laboratory, a digital studio, lecture theatres, smart classrooms, research and development spaces, administrative offices, conference rooms, server rooms and a networking laboratory.
“Construction of a state-of-the-art welding and pipefitting workshop by Aker Energy through the Petroleum Commission, construction of University Basic School Phase 1, construction of a four-storey Lecture Theatre at BU Campus and main campus, as well as construction of the University Sports Complex – also known as the Dr. Samuel Amo Tobin Sports Complex – are among the others,” he said.
According to the TTU Vice Chancellor: “The university’s long-term goal is to develop PhD programmes across all faculties, ensuring that we provide advanced research and learning opportunities which align with the evolving demands of both academia and industry. We are determined to make this vision a reality through focused effort and collaboration.
“I am deeply impressed by the dedication of our staff in striving for excellence, a commitment that is clearly reflected in our outstanding performance during competitions with other universities,” he added.
Prof. Humphrey Danso of Graduates School at Akenten Appiah Menka University commended TTU for its feats over the years.
The university, he said, has not only provided skills but also shaped the lives and characters of individuals – calling on students to be agents of change and embrace new opportunities.
Prof. Danso urged faculty members to contribute their quota to the university’s development by publishing and teaching with diligence, calling on alumni to support TTU.
Also, he advised the university to develop a calendar that tracks and checks their continual progress, bearing in mind critical thinking and appreciative leadership.
Dr. Robert Adjaye, a Council member who represented the University Council Chairman, noted that “over the last 70 years the Council has regulated the university’s affairs to meet academic and industry standards, contributing to national development”.
He said the University Council will continue providing the strategic direction to position TTU as a leader in the technical educational sector, with a commitment to research and innovation as well as linkages with local and international institutions.
Dr. Adjaye added that the Council prioritises leadership development as a model of excellence for technical education in Ghana.
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, congratulated TTU for 70 years of impact and called for the prioritisation of technical education as it is the bedrock of every developed nation.
He said technical education must be more entrepreneurial in approach and nature, with the mind-set of graduating students being to create jobs in the various value chains rather than waiting on scanty formal sector employment opportunities.
“We need TTU to create the next generation of business-minded people of the right sort to turn our economy around,” he added.
The post TTU climaxes 70th anniversary celebration appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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