By Iddi Yire
Accra, Sept 09, GNA – Professor Abednego F. O. Amartey, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has reiterated the University’s commitment to empowering the youth of Ghana and Africa for a sustainable future.
The Vice-Chancellor said this in his keynote address at the opening of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Africa Forum 2024 at the UPSA in Accra.
The QS Africa Forum serves as a platform for thought-provoking discussions and the exchange of ideas that seeks to shape the future of higher education on the African continent.
The two-day event is being organized by QS Africa in collaboration with the UPSA on theme “Empowering Africa’s Youth: Integrating Entrepreneurship, Future Skills, and AI/Technology in Education for a Sustainable Future”.
Prof Amartey said the theme for the event resonated with UPSA’s vision and its commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology among the youth.
“At UPSA, we recognise that the future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth, and we have taken significant strides to empower our students with the knowledge and skills they need to drive sustainable development on the continent,” he stated.
“Our teaching and learning approaches are designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.”
He said at UPSA they encourage their students to question, explore, and innovate, empowering them to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
“As a young and fast-growing university in Ghana, and indeed in Africa, we are deeply inspired to incorporate the principle of sustainability into every facet of our mandate to nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers.”
Prof Amartey said their motivation stems from the unique context of their continent, which was blessed with abundant natural resources, a vibrant cultural tapestry, and an incredibly talented youth population.
He said however, they also face significant challenges such as poverty, inequality, and the pressing issue of environmental degradation.
The Vice-Chancellor said it was against this backdrop that they, as educators and leaders, recognised their responsibility to create a sustainable future for their beloved continent, Africa and its people.
He said as a public University, they were dedicated to empowering the youth of Ghana, Africa, and beyond.
“Our mantra, “We are a public institution with a private sector mentality,” reflects our commitment to combining the best of both worlds – the social responsibility of public service with the innovation and efficiency (that is value for money thinking) often associated with the private sector,” he said.
“We strive to be a public university with a private sector mindset, ensuring that we can continue to make a positive impact.”
Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director, AMESA, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, in his remarks, said education gave people power, revealed hidden talents, and encouraged new ideas.
“It has and will continue to open doors to a richer, vibrant, and brighter Africa,” he added.
Madam Veronica Omeni, Forum Chairperson and Principal Consultant, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, said the Forum would discuss how to create entrepreneurial mindset in the youth, encouraging them not just to seek jobs but to actually create them for themselves.
GNA