STEM disciplines hold key to unlocking Ghana's economic potential
The government has been urged to pursue policies that encourages specialisation in higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
This, according to the President of Data Link Institute of Business and Technology, (DLIBT), Professor Stanley Saamoah Moffat is what will help Ghana sustain and create new jobs.
He said STEM disciplines held the key to unlocking Ghana's economic potential and provide solutions to challenges confronting the nation.
He was speaking at the 15th congregation of DLIBT in Tema on Friday, December 27, 2024.
A total of 195 students including 52 Master Degree scholars, 142 undergraduates from the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems and Department of Business Administration as well as 27 professional students who were awarded with Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport were graduated.
Prof Moffat said despite the challenges facing private universities in Ghana, such as inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, intense competition, significant strides had been made in the areas of enhancing academic programmes that aligns with market demands, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship, strengthened partnership with industry leaders and academic institutions to create new opportunities for students, introduction of innovative teaching methodologies that integrated technology and fostering critical thinking.
Reflecting on the theme for the occasion, "Bridging innovation and impact; educating the next generation of tech entrepreneurs," Prof. Moffat said the theme aligned perfectly with the aspirations of a progressive Ghana.
"In line with this year's theme, we have also prioritised initiatives that prepare our students to thrive as tech entrepreneurs. Through specialised programmes and hands-on learning experience, we are equipping them with the tools to innovate, solve problems and drive sustainable development, "he said.
He, therefore, advocated for policies that would encourage specialisation in higher education, particularly STEM disciplines to unlock Ghana's economic potential.
Innovation
The founder of DLIBT, Dr Ernest Ansah disclosed that the university has taken a bold step forward by integrating artificial intelligence with entrepreneurship in its academic and administrative framework.
This combination, he explained would help revolutionarise teaching and learning, allow faculty and students to foster creativity, problem solving and innovation that aligned with the needs of the 21st century.
He said the university would soon expand its academic opportunities by offering bachelor and master students an opportunity to earn certificates from renowned universities in Poland, Canada and Guyana stressing that the initiative would allow students to graduate with bith Ghanaian and international certificates thus significantly enhancing their global competitiveness.
Awards
A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Communication Technology, Monica Serwah Wiredu was awarded the overall best undergraduate while Evans Boamah Aboagye won the award for overall best student in the graduate school category.
Writer's email Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh