The Koforidua Technical University over the weekend held its 15th congregation to award certificates to distinguished students who have fulfilled all necessary academic requirements.
A total of 1, 994 deserving students were awarded of which 1,545 students received Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates and 421 students also received Bachelor of Technology Certificates.
Delivering his address at the ceremony, the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Nuertey Ayertey called on the university board to carefully recruit competency-based lecturers to be able to train and produce tasked oriented graduates.
“Technical universities and polytechnic teachers must be carefully recruited and trained to take up the vision of competency-based training. The kind of qualifications required for one to qualify for teaching in the Technical Universities and polytechnics must be more than obtaining second university degrees at the master’s level. Such group of teachers must appreciate the fact that they are under obligation to produce task oriented graduates or such calibre of products that are uniquely different from the traditional university products.”
Mr Samuel Nuertey Ayertey reiterated governments continuous support for quality education.
He also called on the management of the university to liaise with industry for the needed support.
“My appeal is that the management should liaise with industry in order to conduct applied research that would yield practical benefits”.
Professor Mrs Smile Dzisi Gavua, the Vice Chancellor of the university revealed that the university is positioning itself to sharpen the academic and competence of both teaching and non-teaching staff to achieve its visions.
“We have been able to achieve more successes because of the importance and value we attach to both teaching and non-teaching staff in our university. Cardinal to this achievement is our continuous staff development strategies by which we continue to sharpen the academic and professional competence of both teaching and non-teaching staff”.
“Today, the number of PhDs across the faculties have increased significantly while many more are enrolled on terminal degrees and professional qualifications and are updating their competencies and skills through industrial experience. Our faculty members have built engaging relationships with our community and are pushing the boundaries of science and technology through problem-solving research and we are committed to support and ensure the upgrading of all staff in the university to bring out the best in them”.