By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, Nov. 18, GNA – The Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has inaugurated a Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) for its Ecological Agriculture (EAG) programme aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
It is one of three advisory bodies being created at BTU to enhance the relevance of the University’s programmes in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
Similar committees will be formed for the Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Computing and Information Technology programmes to advance academic excellence and meet the demands of the industry.
The establishment of the PAC is supported by the European Union (EU) in Ghana with Technical support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under the EU–Ghana Pact for Skills project.
The inauguration, at Sumbrungu, the main campus of the University, brought together industry players, development practitioners, faculty members and representatives from partnering organisations.
The Committee, chaired by Mr Samuel Abasiba, a seasoned development practitioner, has its membership being entirely external, consisting of 11 prominent individuals drawn from industry and non-governmental organisations.
The other members included Hajia Memunatu Alhassan of Lowland Rice Company, Ms Jennifer Atogsina Amoah of the Women in Agricultural Development Directorate (WIAD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) at the Talensi District Assembly, Mr Sylvester Minyila of Minssap Ventures, Mathew Akayet of Heights Enterprise Limited and Mr Dominic Anarigide of irrigation Company of Upper Region ( ICOUR) Limited.
The rest are Mr Maxwell Akandem of Akandem Farms Limited, Dr Jacqueline Onumah, who serves as Secretary and Head of the EAG Department at BTU, Mr Emmanuel A. Aziiba of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute at Manga, Dr Daniel Y. Nang of Dansyn ISO Limited, and Mr Vincent Subbey of TRAX Ghana. Among the members are two women actively engaged in the agribusiness value chain.
Professor Peter Osei Boamah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of BTU, expressed profound appreciation to EU and UNCDF for facilitating the formation of the advisory committees, which he described as a pivotal step in advancing BTU’s strategic vision.
According to him, the PAC formed a vital link between the University and the industries it served, ensuring that both academic content and graduate skills remain up-to-date, market-driven and responsive to the evolving needs of employers.
Mr Alexis Adugdaa Ayamdor, Project Lead, noted that the committees would provide timely and constructive feedback on programme quality and would play key roles in enhancing curriculum relevance, improving teaching and learning, and boosting graduate employability.
He explained that the PAC will help BTU integrate industry expertise directly into curriculum development and programme delivery.
“It will support the design of experiential learning opportunities, strengthen student recruitment strategies, and provide insights into the skills and behaviours required for success in the labour market, he stressed.
Mr Ayamdor added that the committee will advocate BTU within industry networks, help secure resources such as equipment, scholarships and training opportunities, and assist in creating pathways for internships, apprenticeships and other forms of work-integrated learning.
“The PAC’s responsibilities are broad and strategic. It will help identify educational requirements for job placement, arrange field trips for students, assist in labour market surveys, and facilitate part-time or cooperative work opportunities to enhance students’ practical training,” he added.
The committee will also provide information on available employment prospects, advise on faculty professional development, support resource mobilisation efforts, recommend state-of-the-art tools and equipment for the department, and guide the review of programme content to ensure it remains current with industry demands.
Additionally, it will evaluate the department’s facilities, propose curriculum updates where necessary, help establish competency standards for both faculty and students, and remain accessible to accreditation and evaluation bodies.
The Ecological Agriculture PAC is expected to significantly strengthen BTU’s engagement with industry, particularly in areas such as curriculum advisory support, student internships, applied research, resource development and employer partnerships.
Through this collaboration, the University hopes to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also ready to succeed in the increasingly competitive and dynamic agricultural sector.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Abasiba, gave the assurance that the Committee members will work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed on them.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/George-Ramsey Benamba