The Vice-Chancellor of Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, has expressed concern over the lack of concerted efforts by stakeholders in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector to educate students about smoothly transitioning to technical universities after completing their studies.
According to Prof. Alnaa, this gap often leaves students uncertain about their next steps, sometimes leading them to bypass technical universities in favor of other institutions that may not align with their technical and vocational training.
Speaking at an education forum organized by A1 Radio on the theme “Strengthening the Educational Sector in Ghana: Stakeholders’ Opinions and Expectations Under the New Government’s Policy Direction,” Prof. Alnaa emphasized the challenges faced by students in the TVET sector.
“Sometimes, students complete their studies in TVET institutions and still do not know where to further their education. In some cases, they leave technical universities and apply to other universities when technical universities would have been a better fit for their aspirations,” he remarked.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Alnaa acknowledged the growth in the number of technical and vocational institutes, particularly in the Upper East Region. He noted that this development has positively impacted student enrollment at BTU.
“With the increasing number of technical and vocational institutes springing up, especially in the region, we have seen a notable rise in student enrollment at Bolgatanga Technical University over the past two years,” Prof. Alnaa said.
Outreach Programs to Bridge the Gap
In response to the identified gaps, Prof. Alnaa revealed that BTU has initiated outreach programs targeting TVET institutions to educate students on the importance of transitioning to technical universities.
“We are taking proactive steps to reach out to TVET institutions to inform students about the benefits of advancing their education at technical universities like BTU. This is crucial for equipping them with the necessary technical and professional skills to meet the demands of the job market,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor urged stakeholders, including policymakers and TVET institutions, to collaborate more effectively to streamline the transition process and improve awareness among students about the opportunities available at technical universities.
The Role of Technical Universities in National Development
Prof. Alnaa also highlighted the critical role technical universities play in national development. He stressed the need for stakeholders to prioritize technical and vocational education as a means of addressing unemployment and equipping the youth with industry-relevant skills.
“Technical universities are uniquely positioned to provide practical and industry-focused education that directly contributes to national development. By bridging the gap between TVET and technical universities, we can create a more robust educational pathway for our students,” he concluded.
The forum brought together educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen Ghana’s educational sector under the new government’s policy direction.
Prof. Alnaa’s insights served as a call to action for stakeholders to address the challenges within the TVET sector and promote a seamless transition to technical universities for students.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
