Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has urged the newly inaugurated board of Accra Technical University (ATU) to ensure transparency in appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
He gave the directive on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 19-member board in Accra.
“I am aware that the University is without a vice-chancellor for the last two years. I want you to handle the matter urgently because the vacancy will affect the smooth running of the institution,” he stressed.
The board members took the oath of office and secrecy, administered by the Minister.
Mr Iddrisu charged the board to uphold ATU’s mandate of delivering higher education in engineering, technical and vocational training.
He encouraged members to apply their expertise in steering the institution and prioritise the admission of students from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) backgrounds.
He commended ATU for expanding its academic offerings to include postgraduate programmes, noting that this reflects the institution’s growing niche and reputation.
The Minister emphasised the importance of technical education in tackling youth unemployment, stating, “Technical and vocational schools are not for less academically inclined students.”
“You need to brand the University as an acceptable alternative route for employment,” he said
Mr Iddrisu also referenced delays in infrastructure development.
“I am aware of the uncompleted projects. I have asked GETFund to give us an inventory of them. We are ready to complete all uncompleted projects to avoid cost to the state and the taxpayers,” he said.
The Minister pledged support to ensure the university’s administration block, currently 85 per cent complete, is finalised for effective use.
Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Chairman of the Board, thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in them and confirmed that appointing a Vice-Chancellor would be a priority.
No University, he stated, could work effectively without the head.
He assured the Minister that the appointment process would follow due procedures.
Source: GNA
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