The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Ghana Chapter has officially launched its Student Chapter at Sunyani Technical University (STU), alongside the inauguration of the university’s newly established Department of Architecture and Real Estate.

The landmark event marked a significant stride in bridging academic instruction with industry practice, while also deepening the role of professional facility management education in Ghana.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of STU, Professor Ing. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, described the occasion as a first in the institution’s history.

“This is the first time a department has been inaugurated like this,” he remarked, emphasizing the significance of the moment.

He welcomed the collaboration between the university and IFMA Ghana, describing it as a progressive model that aligns academic programmes with the practical demands of the industry.

“I believe we are going to see the department grow greater than it is now,” he added.

The launch event was also an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, innovation, and applied knowledge through an exhibition of their works.

Projects on display reflected a broad spectrum of architectural and real estate design solutions, offering attendees a glimpse into the quality of talent being nurtured within the university.

The exhibition attracted significant attention from industry professionals and faculty alike, reinforcing the potential of students when given platforms to engage meaningfully with real-world applications.

Delivering the keynote address, the President of IFMA Ghana Chapter underscored the importance of facility management in promoting sustainability, functionality, and operational efficiency in the built environment.

He called the launch of the student chapter a timely intervention aimed at shaping the next generation of professionals.

“This event marks a significant milestone not only for this university but for the broader development of facility management in Ghana,” he said.

As part of its commitment to student development, IFMA Ghana announced a sponsorship package of GHS 12,000 to cover membership registration fees for 20 students.

The initiative is designed to eliminate financial barriers to professional association, providing access to training, mentorship, and global industry networks.

In a further show of support, the association is sponsoring Mr. Samuel Nyametiase, a student of STU, to represent the university at the upcoming IFMA Global Conference in Nigeria.

The comprehensive sponsorship covers travel, accommodation, and conference participation.

“This is a powerful example of what academia-industry partnerships can achieve when there is shared vision,” the President added.

Dean of the Faculty, Prof Zoya Kpamma, expressed his satisfaction with the realization of the initiative, noting that it had long been in the pipeline.

He commended IFMA Ghana for its leadership and urged that the momentum be sustained.

“This is a proud moment. Industry support like this is critical to moving academic institutions forward,” he said.

The Head of the newly inaugurated department encouraged students to fully leverage the opportunities presented through the student chapter.

He noted that the integration of professional engagement, such as the IFMA platform, would equip students with essential skills and exposure beyond the classroom.

The launch and inauguration collectively signaled a turning point in how built environment education is structured at Sunyani Technical University.

With the added dimension of student exhibitions, the event showcased not only a new chapter in academic and industry collaboration but also the raw potential and creativity of Ghana’s future facility and real estate professionals.