At the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in the Upper East Region, on 2nd July, 2022, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, Upper Regional Minister, commissioned a multi-purpose engineering workshop built to enhance the study of engineering programmes. The facility is equipped with the state-of-theart machines to train students and promote the study of mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, automobile engineering, welding and fabrication and civil engineering programmes and services to the public.
It was built by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC International) and the Government of Ghana through the Sino-hydro project.
The facility is part of efforts by Government to retool and equip Technical Universities for the provision of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for the purpose of reducing youth unemployment.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, commended Government for the project and hoped that it would equip students with practical knowledge to drive the various industries and make a positive impact in society.
He said the world had evolved towards entrepreneurial training not just to reduce the menace of unemployment but to also rapidly and sustainably propel economic growth and development.
Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice Chancellor, Bolgatanga Technical University, noted that the facility will provide commercial services to the public in addition to offering training to engineering students of the University.
He said, “This facility is supposed to aid in the teaching and learning of our students to enhance their skills so that they reduce the level of unemployment in this country, and to serve our communities”.
At the investiture and graduation ceremonies which were held the same day and attended by both internal and external publics of the University including the Regional Minister, dignitaries of sister Technical Universities across the country, the judiciary, and chiefs, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa was inducted as the first Vice Chancellor of the University since its conversion to a Technical University in April, 2020.
Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa joined Bolgatanga Technical University, then Bolgatanga Polytechnic, in 2007 as a Lecturer and rose through the dint of hard work to Associate Professor in Economics in 2016.
He held key positions such as Acting Dean of Students from May to September 2014, Vice Rector of Bolgatanga Polytechnic from 2013 to 2018, and Acting Rector from 2017 to 2018. He was the Rector from 2018 to 2020; leading the Institution to its current status as a Technical University in April, 2020.
Prof. Alnaa, holds Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, and Master of Science in Economics from the University of Skovde, Sweden.
He is an astute scholar with extensive background and wide experience in Economics and Finance through training and work, both in the formal and informal sectors. He has genuine interest in research with an excellent ability to work under pressure.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Prof. Francis Abantanga, who swore the first Vice Chancellor into office, stressed that it was not for nothing the Governing Council of the University in collaboration with other institutions appointed Prof. Alnaa as the first Vice Chancellor of the University. His achievements are wide and cover the entire spine of the University: from chairing committees to providing strategic leadership and management of University resources including staff, finances, equipment and vehicles, drafting curricula for both HND and Bachelor of Technology programmes and providing the necessary infrastructure needed for the successful conversion of Bolgatanga Polytechnic to BolgatangaTechnical University.
Prof. Alnaa, the inducted and first Vice Chancellor thanked the Governing Council and other bodies for reposing confidence in him and pledged to deliver on his mandate to accelerate the growth of the university.
He said, “I come into the high office of the University with a strategic vision to position the University as world class Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution with innovative academic programmes and turning out graduates with 21st Century skills.”
The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, entreated all the staff of the University to give the inducted Vice Chancellor the maximum support to develop the University and also appealed to him to be open and transparent in his dealings of the University.
The 10th Congregation witnessed the conferment of diplomas, higher national diplomas and bachelor of technology degrees on four hundred and forty-three students from various fields of study.
Speaking at the Congregation grounds, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, noted, “The University, in keeping with its vision of becoming a world class technical university, is bedeviled with limited lecture halls.”
He added, “Contractors have abandoned some projects in the University because GETFund has not been able to pay them”. He used the occasion to advise the graduands to stay away from corrupt practices but strive for excellence.
The Upper East Regional Minister and the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Stepehn Yakubu, implored the graduands to use the knowledge acquired to become successful entrepreneurs for the development of the country. He assured the University of Government’s commitment in making the stay of students on campus less stressful.
He said, “I implore you all to emulate the fine examples of many successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs like Jospong Siaw Agyepong of Zoomlion, Theresa Oppong of Manet, and many others; some of whom were not as privileged as you, but built highly successful businesses from almost nothing,”
Students who distinguished themselves in various disciplines were awarded. Miss Eva Buntugu won the overall best student award of the graduating class including the best female student award, the best student award in the School of Business & Management Studies and the best student in the Department of Procurement and Logistics Management.
