Keynote Address for 32nd Ghana Communication Technology University Congregation – 11-11-23

It is indeed an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate the 32nd Congregation of this esteemed institution. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the University’s leadership for entrusting me with the responsibility of the keynote speaker on this occasion. This gathering marks another significant chapter in the Ghana Communication Technology University – GCTU’s journey towards excellence.

Today, we proudly witness the graduation of a diverse group of students who have completed their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Learning never stops. I just started another course myself. I’ve signed up for MA in IT Law at UoG.

Now as we gather here, it is evident that GCTU is poised to realize and even surpass its potential, especially in its new role as a Public University.

The theme for this graduation, “Empowering the Future: The Role of ICT in Sustainable Development”, underscores the paramount importance of information and communication technology in our rapidly evolving world. From local to global perspectives, ICT has become an integral component of the modern economy, seamlessly intertwining with every facet of our lives, including business and social development. The transformative power of technology to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to community challenges cannot be understated. Education, in partnership with ICT, is increasingly becoming a critical instrument in shaping a more technologically driven 21st century society, especially as the 4^th industrial revolution evolves into the 5^th industrial revolution, where it is anticipated that we would be deal in network knowledge products.

The inspiring stories of visionaries like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and our very own Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor is indicative of the remarkable success that can be achieved from the fusion of entrepreneurship, science, and technology.

At the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, I’ve come to appreciate the profound value of innovation and practical solutions that ensure sustainable, efficient development and success for all stakeholders, be they regulators, members of the Chamber or even external parties. In the context of our national progress, education continues to occupy a central role, and it is only fitting that the Ghana Communication Technology University, with its strong emphasis on ICT, plays a pivotal role in preparing students to contribute to the sustainable development of our country Ghana.

EMPOWERING THE FUTURE THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTIVE GRADUATES: THE OPPORTUNITY FOR GCTU

As I emphasized earlier, IT-based education, coupled with the development of productive graduates, holds the key to our nation’s advancement.  It is critical that we produce students that fit for the future of work and who would drive Ghana’s Leap-Frog Agenda. The potential for Ghana’s development is boundless, and the cornerstone of our progress lies in educating our youth to become active positive agents of our nation’s future.

Wendy Kopp, the CEO of “Teach for All,” aptly put it when she said, “Education is the most powerful tool countries have for boosting economic growth, increasing prosperity, and forging more just, peaceful, and equitable societies.” Enhanced access to education undoubtedly contributes to our national development. I firmly believe that the successful integration and promotion of IT-based education is the catalyst for accelerating our national progress in all aspects.

In this endeavour, GCTU, as a technology-oriented institution, carries the responsibility to harness the power of research, create an optimal teaching & learning environment, offer practical instruction, and provide professional development in ICT-related disciplines. I am encouraged to note that GCTU houses a thriving Centre for Online Teaching and Learning and has launched its International Journal of Technology and Entrepreneurship. A journal, dedicated to promoting cutting-edge technology, and development policies in ICT, engineering, and business.

FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GCTU AND STUDENTS

Ladies and gentlemen, the theme of this graduation centres on the potential for Ghana Communication Technology University to capitalize on various development opportunities related to IT and sustainable development. I highlighted the importance of creating an enabling academic environment.

In collaboration with the Faculty of Computing and Information Systems, I propose the establishment of a Technology Hub within the University. This hub would complement the traditional curriculum, offering students opportunities for project-based learning that leads to sustainable solutions on both entrepreneurial and industrial fronts, while identifying and solving Ghanaian and African challenges.

It should provide avenues for recognizing and rewarding outstanding concepts with financial support to facilitate project marketing and development to further enhance this initiative.

Additionally, investing in faculty training in contemporary ICT-based teaching and learning methods, along with providing the necessary resources, would create a launchpad for the University to leave an indelible mark on Ghana’s educational landscape as well as being the catalyst for our development as a country.

Today, I see a gathering of brilliant minds who have acquired knowledge in diverse fields such as Engineering, Computing and Information Systems, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, Logistics, Business Decision Management, and Oil and Gas Management, among others. It is now your turn to enter the world and impact it by conceptualizing, commercializing, and further developing your projects. You are positioned to play a direct role in the sustainable development of our nation in your own unique ways.

The world you enter into is one of unemployment but a lot of challenges which are latent opportunities for billion-dollar businesses. So do not leave here with the mentality of being an employee. Rather focus on how based on the knowledge you have acquired, the networks you have built, you will start some businesses providing solutions.

Start with the mind-set of a start-up but with agility built into your business models to scale up quickly. Yes you might fail, but fail forward. Learning quickly and moving on. Ghana should not be your target market, AfCFTA should be what you look up to, but start with Tesano. 

To the management of GCTU, I commend your efforts in building an academic environment that places a strong emphasis on technology-oriented education and mentorship. The potential in IT-based education is limitless, and as an institution deeply committed to it, you are at the forefront of the nation’s development agenda.

I encourage you to continue developing programmes that provide students with a dynamic academic foundation and, more importantly, a well-rounded professional training guided by innovative curriculum and methods of teaching and learning.

How do you improve your curriculum to produces graduates that well-prepared and equipped with skills that meet industry standards: I have a few suggestions:

Place emphasis on practical knowledge and skills: A curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning opportunities, practical training, and industry-relevant projects helps develop the skills required by the industry.

Integrate industry perspectives: Design your curriculum in consultation with industry experts to ensure that it reflects current industry trends, practices, and demands. Members of our Chamber would be available to help.

Soft skills development: Include courses or modules that focus on interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking enhances the employability of graduates and prepares them to meet industry standards. Focus on integrity, patriotism and courage to speak truth to power.

CONCLUSION

Throughout my life, I have learnt that the path to true sustainable success is seldom straightforward. If it’s easy, it often doesn’t endure. I like many of you here have, faced many challenges, and there were moments when I felt they were insurmountable. However, I know through my faith in God, that nothing is impossible, unless you, yes you, choose it to be. One of my favourite sayings is, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” This philosophy resonates across all aspects of our lives, including the education you have received, centred on originality, creativity, and innovation. Like the motor of the greatest College in the world St. Augustine’s College, Ominia Vincit Labor, –

I encourage you to discard the notion of thinking outside the box, for outside the box is even full. You have to discard the box altogether, create your own future, as it is the key to solving life’s problems.

Before I close, I want each of you to applaud yourselves. Graduating is a monumental achievement that many may never experience. I look forward to graduating once again after I complete my current program, in a year’s time.

Now your journey here is a privilege, and I urge you to remember the support and efforts of your families, friends, lecturers, and classmates. As you move forward, consider giving back to your university when the opportunity arises. You all have a legacy to leave, and I am excited to witness the future you will shape.

Let me remind us all of what Kofi Annan said “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family”.

So, as you leave the hallowed confines of GCTU, go out and make great waves. Be ethical leaders, be generational thinkers, start the change in Ghana we all want to see. Be the Change.

Congratulations to each of you and thank you once again!

God richly bless our homeland Ghana and make our educational system great and strong.

Have a good morning.

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