By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Feb. 28, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring unfettered autonomy and academic freedom in tertiary institutions.
The move, the Minister stated, was necessary for tertiary education institutions to fulfil their respective mandates without interference.
This was in a statement read by Dr Emmanuel Newman, Director of Tertiary, Ministry of Education, on behalf of the Minister at the climax of the 75th anniversary of Accra Technical University (ATU).
It was on the theme: “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovation.”
He encouraged the University to come up with innovative ideas and adopt the best practices in teaching research for the socio-economic transformation of the nation.
He said the University was among the first universities to be elevated to technical universities with great transformation, including the expansion of academic programmes.
The University, the Minister stated, had invested in cutting-edge technology, fostering an emerging culture of innovation in the institution.
He charged the University to produce competitive professionals, who are equipped to meet the current needs of the nation.
Mr Iddrisu urged the University to put in place measures to deepen the relationship between the institution and industry to foster the development of the relevant workforce for the country.
He pledged the government’s support to provide the needed resources for the development of the country’s educational institutions.
“The government will also continue to work with relevant stakeholders to expand infrastructure in tertiary education institutions,” he said.
He urged the alumni of the institution to sponsor the development of one building to accommodate about 500 students and be named the Alumni Hostel.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, commended the University for its profound impact on the nation, saying the anniversary was a testament to decades of commitment, diligence, and visionary leadership.
King Tsuru II said the University stood the test to become a beacon of innovation, practical knowledge, and vocational excellence.
University’s achievement in its ranking and Sustainable Development Goal awards, he said were indications of its exemplary achievements as a hub of academic excellence, shaping minds, developing skills, and advancing technical and vocational landscape.
He said the Ga state valued education as a cornerstone of progress by championing educational empowerment.
“Education uplifts communities, preserves our heritage, builds resilient societies, and our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with leading institutions like the Accra Technical University.”
He called for collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates possessed skills that match contemporary industrial needs, to boost socio-economic growth.
Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, said the University’s success had been transformative, from 15 students to over 29,000 currently.
The University has expanded academic programmes to meet technological development and remained a centre of excellence in practical knowledge.
The University, as part of its anniversary activities, organised debates with other sister technical Universities, donations to prison inmates, lectures on innovation and ecosystem, and clean-up exercises, among others.
GNA