ATU hosts Int’l confab on bridging digital technology, education

Accra Technical University (ATU) reinforced its commitment to narrowing the gap between digital technologies and education by hosting the International Conference of Tech Trends and Future Careers (TecFuPRo) on August 15th and 16th. The event, held at the University’s Auditorium, was a collaboration between ATU, the University of Vaasa, and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland.

The two-day conference brought together experts in technology and academia to explore the latest trends in digital technology and their impact on future innovations. The conference featured discussions on how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming industries and educational systems worldwide.

In his opening remarks, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Acting Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University, highlighted the critical role of digital technologies in driving global innovation and development. He stressed the importance of harnessing tools like AI to address contemporary challenges and called on stakeholders to focus more on integrating these technologies into various sectors.

The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the role of technology in governance. She emphasized that digital technologies are key to transforming societies and shared her vision of making Accra a Smart City. The Mayor outlined plans to use digital solutions in areas such as traffic management, waste management, and city security, in collaboration with the Accra Digital Centre. She expressed her eagerness to see future partnerships between ATU and its international partners to further digital technology initiatives.

A panel discussion during the conference explored how AI is reshaping job markets and the importance of upskilling and reskilling. Professor Raine Hermans, Dean of the School of Technology and Innovations at the University of Vaasa, stressed the need to align education with skills development. He encouraged stakeholders to incorporate skills development into the educational curriculum while urging caution against over-reliance on technology.

Mr. Emmanuel Agbeko Gamor, Digital Channels Senior Manager at MTN, emphasized the need for flexible educational curricula that allow students to acquire essential skills like coding and programming, regardless of their primary field of study. He urged students to engage in internships and workshops to gain practical skills that would give them a competitive edge in the job market.

Dr. Emmanuel Ndzibah, a senior lecturer at the University of Vaasa, advised educators to embrace digital technologies and encourage their students to use them for projects and assignments. He stressed the importance of bridging the gap between digital tools and real-world problems.

Mr. David Gowu, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGh) and CEO of Inngen Ghana, also addressed the conference, urging students to take full advantage of digital tools during their education. He noted that the job market has evolved, with employers now seeking graduates with both technical and soft skills.

The conference also provided insights into educational opportunities in Finland, with representatives from the University of Vaasa and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences offering guidance on application processes, scholarships, and student life in Finnish universities. Sponsored by MTN, Promasidor Ghana, and PURE, the TecFuPRo conference aimed to establish a global networking platform for businesses and academic institutions to collaborate, share resources, and drive sustainable growth.