By Kodjo Adams
Accra, Sept. 4, GNA – Professor Amevi Acakpovi, the Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University (ATU), has called for stronger collaboration between universities, industry and technology organisations to equip graduates with practical skills and opportunities for employment.
He stressed the need to move beyond traditional education and create an ecosystem in which students could gain practical experience while developing skills relevant to the modern economy.
Prof Acakpovi said this at the launch of the ATU partnership with Silvadew Technologies for the delivery of industry-focused online short-course programmes.
The courses include Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, cybersecurity, and python programming, among others.
He said technology was increasingly reshaping society and the workplace, making it necessary for educational institutions to respond to changing demands.
The Professor underscored the importance of programmes that expose students and fresh graduates to industry, professional development and emerging technologies.
According to him, partnerships between universities and technological companies could provide opportunities for students to gain experience, build professional networks and better understand the requirements of the workplace.
Prof Acakpovi called for greater emphasis on skills development, saying young people needed opportunities to learn, experiment and apply their knowledge in practical settings.
“We need to embrace emerging opportunities and ensure that skills and opportunities are available to young people,” he said.
The Don touched on the importance of international and cross-border cooperation, with references to partnerships, professional programmes and opportunities involving institutions and organisations from different countries.
He argued that universities should not operate in isolation but build relationships with businesses and technology organisations to create pathways from education into employment and entrepreneurship.
Such an ecosystem, he suggested, would enable graduates to combine academic knowledge with practical experience and professional skills.
Prof Acakpovi emphasised the role of technology in creating new opportunities and improving lives, while urging institutions and professionals to remain responsive to rapid changes in the global economy.
He expressed appreciation to stakeholders involved in the initiative, describing the collaboration as essential to achieving sustainable progress.
Mr Kwame Ampong, the Chief Executive Officer of Silvadew Technologies, said the initiative was designed to respond to the growing role of technology in education and to equip learners with skills relevant to an increasingly digital world.
He said a key feature of the platform was its digital classroom environment, where students could access information about their classes, assignments and groups, while educators monitor participation and other aspects of students’ learning.
Mr Ampong urged institutions, educators and other stakeholders to embrace emerging technologies and develop systems that could prepare learners for the changing demands in education and the workplace.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Kodjo Adams
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