The Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), has introduced five new programmes since its conversion into a Technical University in 2020 under the Technical University ACT 2016. This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor of the school, Professor Samuel E. Alnaa during the 9th congregation(Virtual) ceremony of Bolgatanga Technical University held at the University’s campus. The congregation is the 9th of since the school’s existence and the first since its conversion in April 2020.
According to Professor Alnaa, the introduction of the new programmes will help increase enrolment. He explained that the programmes will ‘broaden the school’s academic sphere and enhance its status and relevance in corporate academia.
He said the school has introduced programmes such as HND Banking and Finance, HND Automobile Engineering, HND Electrical/Electronics Engineering, HND Laboratory Technology and HND Mechanical Engineering.
Prof. Alnaa added that the University has introduced four-year degree top-up programmes(B-Tech) in most of its programmes adding that soon the institution will introduce a Masters’ Degree in Technology. He said this will make the school’s ambition to become the preferred tertiary institution and a technology village in Northern Ghana and beyond come to fruition.
He however bemoaned that this aim of the University could hit a snag owing to the infrastructure challenges it is confronted with. He thus adjured government to urgently go to the aid of the school by providing it with infrastructure especially in the area of hostel facilities and as well as lecture halls.
“Bolgatanga Technical University’s ambition to become a preferred tertiary institution and a technology village cannot come true without challenges. Paramount among our challenges is infrastructure which is contingent for the smooth running of every academic institution, especially now that we have introduced many new programmes and are expecting student numbers to rise. This, therefore, calls for more infrastructure in the areas of lecture theatre and accommodation for staff to among other things take care of the projected rise in enrolment in the near future,” he appealed.
Prof. Alnaa went on to advise all lecturers of the University to be productive to help make the school one of the competitive institutions in the country. He also gave the graduands his felicitations and advised them to cultivate the spirit of perseverance and let the entrepreneurial skills training they got throughout their stay on campus overcome the challenge of unemployment that they are inevitably going to face.
“As you go out into the world of work, I challenge you not to be complacent or give up when you face difficulties. But rather use your entrepreneurial skills and training to face the difficulties head-on,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Francis A. Abantanga admonished the graduands to continue observing the COVID-19 safety protocols as well as avail themselves for vaccination since the virus is still in existence.
He also complimented them for their impeccable performances and urged them to be law-abiding citizens in their various societies. He also implored the graduands t always have their Alma mater in mind wherever they find themselves.
The total number of graduands were 324. Out of this number, 185 of them were males while 139 were females. 44 of these attained first-class success. Matilda Acaab was adjudged the overall best student of the 2020 batch of graduands and was presented a certificate of honour as well as an undisclosed amount of money.
Source/www.a1radioonline.com/101.1mHz/Elijah Beyeni Yenibey/Ghana
