We Need University–Industry Collab For Work-Ready Graduates- Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the need to prepare Ghanaian students to become a fully-fledged and capable workforce.
He observes that this can only be achieved through university–industry collaboration.
“Key takeaways for me were the need to deepen university–industry collaboration to make graduates more work-ready and future-ready,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Acknowledging Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as the then Minister for Education, initiated the process of understanding the need for this collaboration, he said the effort must be continued.
The President emphasised the need to encourage applied learning, internships, and programmes tied to national priorities; strengthen public–private partnerships in life sciences and biotechnology; and focus research on solutions that create jobs and improve lives.
This followed his visit to the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to familiarise with their applied-learning model and strong university–industry partnerships.
From his observation there, he said, “SIT integrates work and study, collaborates closely with industry, and focuses on applied research that delivers business impact. Their new campus within the Punggol Digital District exemplifies how academia, industry and the community can be tightly integrated to prepare students for the future of work.”
President Mahama also toured Biopolis, a premier biomedical research hub which brings leading public and private institutions together across the full life-sciences R&D value chain, from basic discovery to clinical development and medical technology.
“It also showcases how coordinated public–private collaboration can drive innovation and economic growth.”
Meanwhile, he announced his hopes for partnerships with SIT and Biopolis to accelerate Ghana’s progress in higher education, innovation and healthcare.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Read more: Hajara Fuseini, Author at Opemsuo 104.7
