Despite being the only technical university in the Upper East Region, Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) continues to grapple with a severe shortage of lecture halls and office spaces, forcing some lecturers to improvise by using their cars and motorcycles as makeshift offices.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel E. Alnaa, highlighted the institution’s infrastructural challenges during the university’s 13th Congregation ceremony, where 676 students graduated.
He revealed that the university has been battling inadequate infrastructure since 2017, with successive governments failing to address the issue despite repeated appeals.
“The university is currently constrained in terms of limited lecture rooms and office space. This has a telling effect on the effective delivery of lectures, as students constantly compete for space,” Prof. Alnaa lamented.
“While management is doing everything possible within our capacity to improvise, we urge the government to quickly intervene and construct lecture halls for the university.”
The Vice-Chancellor expressed frustration over the government’s lack of financial commitment, noting that a proposed lecture hall project has remained on the drawing board since 2017.
“It is very unfortunate that this critical project has not received any financial allocation. We plead with the government to come to our aid, as the situation is very disturbing,” he added.
Graduation Amidst Challenges
Despite the infrastructural constraints, the university celebrated the graduation of 676 students—389 males and 287 females.
Among them, 291 received Bachelor of Technology degrees, 319 earned Higher National Diplomas, 59 obtained Diplomas, and 7 completed Competency-Based Training (CBT) programmes. A total of 113 students graduated with First Class Honours, including 37 females.
Call for Government Support for TVET Sector
Prof. Alnaa used the occasion to appeal to the government, through the Upper East Regional Minister, to prioritize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a cornerstone of national development.
“If we want the TVET sector—particularly Technical Universities—to lead Ghana’s industrialization drive, then the government must deliberately provide the needed equipment, infrastructure, and financing,” he stated.
He cited the success of the Asian Tigers, attributing their economic growth to strategic investments in TVET.
“Let’s learn from them. A well-resourced TVET sector will equip our youth with the skills needed to thrive in this modern, technology-driven world,” he urged.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
