Report by Ben LARYEA
Accra Technical University (ATU) in collaboration with AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, a German business-oriented value-based foundation has commissioned a state of the art ICT laboratory named “ICT Flex lab” at a ceremony on the campus of the University in Accra.
The laboratory comprises forty (4) laptop computers, sets of air conditions and cutting edge furniture sets that befit the ultra-modern laboratory.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai said the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AFOS Foundation under the project christened “the digiCAP.gh” programme geared towards the building of capacities for staff and students in the ICT space.
He said the project is the first of its kind in the history of the university and forms part of the effort to integrate ICT and entrepreneurship in teaching, research and learning and pointed out that the project ties into the vision and mission of the university.
According to him, the move will also enhance the technical knowledge by creating a conducive environment for applied research, quality, teaching and competency-based training with the requisite impact on industry and business creation.
“All issues relating to funding were provided by AFOS foundation and will make a tremendous impact on digital capacity in line with in-demand and practice-oriented through ICT certification training of staff and students”, he said.
“This innovative ATU-AFOS digiCAP project is guaranteed to serve management, students and staff as well as the general public”, he said and however urged all to take good care of the facility and secure it against theft.
He added that the project will harmonise and harness the educational and fourth industrial revolution (4IR) in the IT space and expressed the university’s profound gratitude to AFOS Foundation saying the project will yield the needed fruits on campus.
For her part, the Project Manager of AFOS – Ghana Office, Ms Hanna Sehlina Mann urged staff and students to take advantage of the training and explained that its sessions are simultaneously offered online and in-person, adding that trainers have the choice to join at the Flex Lab or at a distance.
According to her, the digiCAP project will also support the University in a collaboration with the Ashesi University and their system change programme and also build capacities and a career training centres for all students on campus.
She, therefore, called for greater cooperation between her outfit and ATU to enable both parties to boost the careers of students as well as ICT professionals.
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