Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister for Education, has announced the release of GH¢55 million to pay state-owned university lecturers as their book and research allowances.

He said in addition to the book and research allowance, the government would also establish a research fund to facilitate further research and innovation.

The Education Minister announced this at the maiden congregation of the Takoradi Technical University at Takoradi on the theme; ‘Consolidating Industrial Growth in Ghana: The role of Technical Universities.’

Dr Prempeh said there was a comprehensive programme to sponsor both lecturers and administrators to acquire higher degrees in order to impart the needed skills and knowledge in moving the country forward.

According to him government had abolished the payment of utility bills and increased the amount of money given as loans under the Students loan Scheme.

The Minister said while government continued to take steps to reconstitute the governing councils, the public tertiary institutions must work hard in creating a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.

Dr Kwaku Afriyie, Western Regional Minister said the NPP led administration was focused on building character, nurturing values and raising literate, confident and engaging citizens who could think critically.

He announced that a consultative meeting between the Regional Coordinating Council, industry and academia would be held to fashion out best ways of improving competency based training for industrial and economic growth.

Dr Afriyie urged the graduands to see their training as passport to their future and should, therefore, give off their best adding, “as you enter the work environment, either self-employed or an employee always remember to stay relevant”.