Takoradi Technical University, TTU, has officially launched its 70th anniversary celebrations with a grand ceremony attended by a cross section of the public. The milestone anniversary is being celebrated under the theme; “70 Years of Societal Relevance: Projecting Excellence and Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training”.
The 70th anniversary celebrations aim to commemorate TTU’s rich history, achievements, and contributions to technical education in Ghana and beyond.
Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun in his welcome address highlighted the university’s achievements over the years and its commitment to providing quality technical and vocational education that meets the evolving needs of society.
“Takoradi Technical University (TTU) has been a beacon of excellence, a hub of innovation, and a driving force for change in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training over the past seven decades, from humble beginning as a Government Technical Institute in 1954 to a Polytechnic in 1992 and finally converting into a Technical University in 2016. This milestone marks not only our past achievements but also sets the stage for a future-filled with boundless possibilities”, he said.
He also urged students, staff, alumni, and the entire community to actively participate in the activities outlined for the 70th anniversary celebrations.
Chairing the launching event, the Paramount Chief of Abease Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, in his speech emphasized the crucial role technical universities play in the development of nations as they produce professionals to solve technological problems.
“Technical Universities play a vital role in the development of nations by providing professionals driving innovation through research and development. Fostering entrepreneurship and addressing societal changes through technology and engineering solutions. They serve as hubs for knowledge creation, dissemination and application, thus contributing significantly to economic growth, industrial advancement and overall progress,” he mentioned.
He used the platform to urge technical universities to develop cutting edge programmes that will equip individuals with the skills needed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing world, as traditional education models are no longer sufficient in preparing for challenges and opportunities in the modern world.
Giving the Keynote address at the launch, Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, himself an Alumnus of TTU, acknowledged the University’s hard work and achievements over the years of its existence by producing individuals and graduates with skills needed in the industries.
“Since its Polytechnic days till date, TTU has been at the forefront of promoting technological innovation and industrial growth in the Western Region, and Ghana with its graduates playing key roles in various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, arts, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and telecommunications. It has a strong legacy of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers due to their technical skills, expertise, and problem-solving abilities,” he said.
He challenged TTU to focus on developing programmes such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing which will equip students to face the future and encouraged them to also spread their research endeavours across many areas.
“One of the key areas of growth for the University should be in the development of new programmes in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. I have come to learn of the University’s audacious decision to adopt Education 5.0, which encapsulates teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialization. This approach will prepare students for the jobs of the future and ensure that they are well-equipped to contribute to the global economy. These are the things that will make ‘our TTU’ continuously visible and relevant. In addition to expanding its program offerings, TTU should also focus on increasing its research initiatives to drive innovation and contribute to national development, especially in environmental sustainability. Such research areas attract lots of grants from international organisations.” he noted.
He further advised TTU to invest in a state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support cutting-edge research in areas such as sustainable development, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship.
The Western Regional Educational Director, Felicia Okai, reading the speech of the EducationMinister, while congratulating TTU for achieving the 70-year milestone, encouraged all stakeholders in the university to embrace innovation and equip students with the needed knowledge in the 21st century.
“I urge all stakeholders of this great institution to embrace innovation and ensure that products from the university are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the current dispensation where Artificial Intelligence and IT are dictating the pace.”, she said.
Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko who graced the occasion also congratulated the university for its achievements and promised that the road leading to the university’s Akatekyi campus in the Ahanta West Municipality will be fixed by June, 2024. He also encouraged individuals of the Technical University to aspire to be entrepreneurs and not solely dependent on the government for employment.
A five-member panel Alumni discussion session enabled former students of TTU to reminisce the past and shared their experiences as well as their career journeys with students, emphasizing the impact of TTU in their career.
The TTU 70th anniversary celebrations which is expected to be climaxed in September in 2024 will feature a series of events including academic symposiums, alumni round table and reunions, community outreach programmes and exhibitions showcasing the university’s achievements and innovations over the seven decades.
A fund raising held during the launching saw various sums of contributions by individuals, staff, pensioners, politicians, alumni among others to help support the activities lined-up.
At a second entertaining session of the anniversary launch, the 70th Anniversary Cake was unveiled by the Vice Chancellor together with dignitaries who graced the launching event amidst other entertainment.
Takoradi Technical University was established as Government Technical Institute in 1954, upgraded to a Polytechnic in 1992 and finally converting to a Technical University in 2016.
