The Vice-Chancellor of Takoradi Technical University (TTU), Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, has attributed the University’s recent ranking as Ghana’s number-one technical university in the AD Scientific Index University and Scientist Rankings to its strong commitment to research and innovation.

Speaking at the 26th Congregation Ceremony in Takoradi, where 3,750 students graduated after successfully completing Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Technology programmes, Rev. Prof. Eshun said the ranking affirms TTU’s dedication to research excellence, innovation and academic distinction—an achievement the University intends to build upon.

“As a university, we remain committed to advancing applied research and translating innovation into practical solutions that address societal needs. In line with this mandate, we have strengthened strategic research collaborations both locally and internationally, leading to increased research grants and enhanced staff engagement in research and knowledge creation. These efforts have significantly improved the visibility of Takoradi Technical University,” he explained.

“It is therefore with great pride that I announce that TTU has been ranked Ghana’s number-one technical university in the AD Scientific Index University and Scientist Rankings—a recognition that affirms our commitment to research excellence, innovation and academic distinction,” he added.

In all, 3,750 graduands were presented at the 26th Congregation Ceremony after completing their programmes. Of this number, 1,520 were awarded Bachelor of Technology degrees, 1,464 received Higher National Diplomas—38 of whom obtained Competency-Based Training certificates—while 766 graduated with Diplomas of Technology.

Out of the total number of graduands, 331 earned First Class honours, while 1,532 obtained Second Class Upper honours. Judith Nana Abena Nti, a Bachelor of Technology Medical Laboratory Technology student, was adjudged the Overall Best Graduate for the 2024/2025 academic year with a CGPA of 4.668. She received the Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah Nyarkoh’s Excellence Award, which comprised a laptop and cash.

Millicent Ngmen Banoye, a Bachelor of Technology Fashion Design graduate, won the award for Overall Best Physically Challenged Graduating Student. She received Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun’s Excellence Award, consisting of a laptop and GH¢2,000 in cash, donated by the Municipal Chief Executive of the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality, Abdul-Majeed Iddrisu Nassam Dokurgu.

A total of 30 special and faculty awards were also presented to outstanding graduates, with sponsorship from institutions including the Ghana Institute of Surveyors, TTU Alumni Association, Stanbic Bank, Zenith Bank, Karpowership, the MP for Effia, and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly.

In his address, Rev. Prof. Eshun congratulated the graduands for choosing TTU for their tertiary education and wished them success in their professional lives, urging them to contribute meaningfully to society.

He further emphasised the University’s commitment to inclusive education, noting that TTU considers support for students with disabilities as a core mandate.

“Takoradi Technical University has remained deeply committed to supporting students with disabilities. In 2018, the University established a dedicated unit responsible for providing tailored support services to students with disabilities. This unit enhances their academic experience while supporting their personal growth and overall well-being on campus and beyond,” he said.

He added that the University has instituted scholarships and flexible learning options for students with disabilities through support from the GNPC Foundation, the Students’ Representative Council, COA and the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Programme.

“These interventions have significantly eased the financial burden on many students and ensured that disability does not hinder access to quality education,” he noted.

Rev. Prof. Eshun also highlighted partnerships that have enhanced support for students with disabilities, including a collaboration with Ghana Gas to equip a dedicated reading room furnished with assistive technologies. He said the University has also introduced sign language training for staff and students to improve interaction with hearing-impaired students, who constitute a significant proportion of students with disabilities at TTU.

He disclosed that a total of 167 students with disabilities have passed through the University so far, describing this as a reflection of TTU’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the University has sponsored 36 staff members to pursue further studies, and expressed gratitude to partner institutions such as Karpowership, Access Bank, Stanbic Bank, the Petroleum Commission and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) for supporting TTU through scholarships, infrastructure and equipment—contributions he said have driven the University’s progress.

In an address delivered on behalf of the Western Regional Minister by the Municipal Chief Executive of Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul-Majeed Iddrisu Nassam Dokurgu, Takoradi Technical University was commended for its critical role in developing Ghana’s technical manpower.

“Takoradi Technical University occupies a strategic and indispensable position in Ghana’s educational architecture. As a technical university, TTU stands at the heart of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which remains one of the most practical and sustainable pathways for national development,” he said.

He added that Ghana’s development agenda across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, energy, agriculture, ICT, oil and gas and the creative industries depends largely on a skilled, innovative and adaptable workforce, stressing that technical universities like TTU are central to the country’s transformation agenda.