The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has revealed plans to partner with the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) as part of its industry-academia relationship for a stronger business environment.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AGI, Seth Twum Akwaboah, says a robust mechanism between the two parties will be outlined to ensure there are relevant internships and practical training for GCTU students before they graduate.

He said this commitment is necessary to address the ever-widening gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Mr Twum Akwaboah said such synergies with academia is important to produce graduates tailored for industry to solve Ghana’s problems.

He was speaking at a two-day workshop on the theme, “Establishing Profitable Synergy between Academia and Industry,” held at the school's premises and organised by the GCTU Business School in collaboration with the African Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS).

The AGI CEO underscored the need to enhance students’ understanding with invaluable insights and practical experience related to their fields of study.  

“…even though you are doing a bit of practical work, experience from the field would make it better. But often most of the companies within the AGI have had to equip graduates with the needed skills for them to function effectively in the roles assigned to them on the job.”

He stressed that, it is high time students’ products and innovations developed were showcased to industry for the latter to harness students’ intellectual properties for industrial sustainability. 

The plan, according to the AGI, will include working with the university’s lecturers to acquire more knowledge from industry for the benefit of the students.

Coordinator of ACCESS Project Ghana, Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo, stressed the important role of University Business Linkages (UBL), to the production of tailored solutions to both industry and societal problems. 

He mentioned that UBL initiatives are inherently mutually beneficial and urged individuals to make the most of their time within their institutions. 

“Constantly ask yourself this question, what am I employed to do in UBL position in my faculty/department in GCTU… that solely working harder with existing abilities won’t yield better results unless one is opened to modern technologies and ways.”

According to Dr Nyadu-Addo, to achieve more in the future, one must be open to learning and implementing new methods and technologies.

A capacity-building member for ACCESS and a resource person, Mr Christopher Addo, who spoke on “Using Digital Tools to Support Learning,” urged the university leadership to inculcate digital learning tools to enhance teaching and learning.

“…digital learning tools can help make education more interactive, engaging and accessible and will allow learners to develop essential skills and knowledge while using modern technology. (educational apps, E-books, Learning Management System (LMS), Online Assessment, Simulations and Videos).

CEO of Type Ltd, Coby Asmah, shared his experiences as an entrepreneur. He highlighted the need for effective partnerships between academia and industry to find a common ground to meet each other’s needs and create a substantial and sustainable win-win solution for the two parties.

“Engage industry and find out the kind of services they need to prepare your students for the job market,” he said. 

Mr Asmah highlights the rapid pace of advancement, where software becomes outdated in just six months. 

He emphasized the dominance of artificial intelligence (AI) and encouraged embracing it as a tool for academic advancement rather than resisting its influence. 

“Instead of complaining about the intrusion of AI, use it as a tool to leverage your advancement in academia,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, who also is team lead for ACCESS-GCTU, Prof George Oppong Ampong, and the Head of Centre for Online Learning and Teaching (COLT), Dr Emmanuel Freeman, urged the participants to share the knowledge acquired with others.