Koforidua Technical University (KTU) celebrated the graduation of 2,398 students across various academic disciplines, with a call for the graduates to be proactive in creating employment opportunities for themselves rather than relying on formal employment.
Professor John Owusu, Vice Chancellor of KTU, emphasized the need for graduates to leverage the skills acquired during their studies to become entrepreneurs.
He highlighted that out of the graduates, 231 achieved first-class honors in diverse disciplines, including bachelor's degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND).
Professor Owusu urged the new alumni, saying, “Use the skills acquired to create job opportunities for yourselves and not wait for government employment or to be employed since you have been imbibed with the necessary skill for that.”
Despite KTU's progress in offering a range of academic programs, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the infrastructure deficit, urging an increase in GETFund allocation to complete ongoing projects.
Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, Deputy Education Minister (TVET), underscored the unique role of Technical Universities in the TVET agenda, mentioning the government's commitment to resourcing all 10 Technical Universities.
She encouraged graduates to form joint venture companies and explore business startup interventions introduced by the government.
Twum-Ampofo emphasized the importance of collaboration among graduates, stating, “Having stayed together at hostels and in the classrooms, it should not be difficult coming together to begin a business venture.”
Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, CEO of Mikkado Holdings Ltd, cautioned graduates against joining unemployed graduates' groups and encouraged them to explore diverse opportunities.
He stressed the significance of agriculture as a viable venture and advised graduates to utilize their acquired knowledge, enhance their skills, and maintain a positive attitude to create sustainable livelihoods.