The Sunyani Technical University (STU) is embarking on a significant initiative to bolster its capacity in electric vehicle (EV) technology. Thanks to a collaborative effort with Fanshawe College of Engineering in London, Ontario, Canada, and a CAD 470,000 grant from the Canadian government under the BCDI 2030 Scholarships, twenty STU staff members are set to receive specialized training in EV fundamentals. This training, scheduled for a two-week period from January 17 to February 2, 2025, will include on-site instruction at Fanshawe College and supplementary online components upon the participants’ return to Ghana. This initiative aims to equip the selected staff with the necessary expertise to develop and implement EV-focused programs at STU, contributing to research, development, and manufacturing activities at the Ghana Gas Centre of Excellence for Electric Vehicles and Industrial Welding Technologies located at the university. Two additional management staff members will accompany the trainees to Canada.
STU’s commitment to providing relevant and comprehensive technical education is evident in its diverse academic portfolio. The university currently offers 87 accredited programs spanning various levels and disciplines, including eleven Master of Technology (M-Tech) programs, twenty-eight bachelor’s programs (BTech and BSc), twenty-three Higher National Diploma (HND) programs, five diploma programs, and twenty non-tertiary TVET programs. This multifaceted approach caters to a broad range of student interests and career aspirations, from engineering and technology to business and management. The university’s focus on practical skills development is further underscored by its apprenticeship and other TVET training programs at the National Proficiency I (NP1) and National Certificate I (NC1) levels, aligning with the National TVET Qualifications Framework under CTVET.
STU’s engagement with national and international partnerships further strengthens its commitment to skills development and job creation. Under Phase IV of the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP), supported by the Government of Ghana and KFW/GIZ, the university is providing training for 80 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) from various trade associations. This eight-month program, offered free of charge to participants, utilizes the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) approach at the Proficiency I (NP1) level. Simultaneously, STU is training 120 apprentices associated with the MCPs for six months, also fully funded by KFW/GIZ. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills and employability of skilled tradespeople and contribute to the overall growth of the Ghanaian economy.
In addition to these government-sponsored programs, STU has obtained accreditation from CTVET for nine trade areas, including Electronics Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, Computer Software Development, and Welding and Fabrication. This accreditation enables the university to offer one-year training programs at the National Certificate 1 (NC1) level, funded by the World Bank. These programs, open to applicants with JHS or SHS completion, have already attracted approximately 900 prospective learners, highlighting the demand for practical skills training and the university’s reputation for delivering quality education. The programs are scheduled to commence in January 2025.
The 17th Congregation Ceremony of STU, themed “Employability and Job Creation: Leveraging Technical and Entrepreneurial Skills Training,” saw the graduation of 1,126 students. These graduates received Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) degrees across various disciplines, including Engineering, TVET, Applied Science and Technology, Built Environment, Applied Art, and Business and Management Studies. The graduating class comprised 769 males (68.3%) and 357 females (31.7%). The academic achievements of the graduates are reflected in their class distribution, with 15.6% achieving First Class honors, 66.0% obtaining Second Class Upper Division, 18.1% achieving Second Class Lower Division, and 0.3% receiving a Pass.
The distribution of graduates across disciplines further highlights STU’s focus on technical and vocational education. Engineering, Science and Technology, TVET, and Applied Art programs accounted for 70.8% of the graduating class, while Business and Management programs comprised 29.2%. This emphasis on technical fields aligns with the university’s mission to equip graduates with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to national development and address the challenges of unemployment. The Vice-Chancellor of STU, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, encouraged prospective students, both local and international, to take advantage of the university’s innovative and industry-driven programs. He highlighted the importance of acquiring relevant technical and professional skills for employability and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the university’s role in reducing the high unemployment rate in Ghana. The STU’s commitment to technical training and its strategic partnerships position it as a key player in developing a skilled workforce and driving economic growth.
