The Provost for the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana, Professor Daniel Ofori, has made a strong case for prioritizing and including the arts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs at tertiary institutions.
According to him, the study of art programs at tertiary institutions all have elements of a systematic approach, which is a prominent feature in the study of the sciences. He emphasized the critical role that the pursuit of art programs has contributed to national development over the years.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines after delivering his remarks on the theme “Pathways to Resilience: Perspectives From the Humanities” to observe the Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa as part of activities to mark the 75th-anniversary celebration of the University of Ghana, the Provost for the College of Humanities, Professor Daniel Ofori, further argued that such inclusion would come with immense benefits.
“So we are saying that instead of just STEM, let’s add A, let’s add R, and let’s also add H, which is humanities because we all contribute to national development. A typical example I am giving is that if you go and call engineers, doctors, and pharmacists to come and dance, they won’t be able to dance, and that is because dance is a science and you have to be taught.”
“You can use dance to tell a story, you can use dance to teach mothers how to breastfeed properly, and you can use theatre arts to teach hygiene,” Professor Ofori added.”