Takoradi Technical University at 70 years; Alumini Round Table Discussion

Takoradi Technical University, a public tertiary education institution (university) located in Sekondi-Takoradi,^[1] the capital of the Western Region of Ghana. Takoradi Technical University was established as a government technical institute in 1954 and became part of the State Tertiary Education System. Later, after the passage of the Polytechnic Law of 1992 (PNDCL 321), it was replaced by the Polytechnics Law (Act 745) in 2007.^[1] In 2016, the bill to convert six out of the 10 polytechnics (including Takoradi Polytechnic) into a fully-fledged university received the unanimous approval of Ghanaian legislators.^[2]

To fast forward everything, the Polytechnic now a Technical University that was founded in the year 1954 marks exactly 70 years of its quest to bringing quality and innovative level on education/training to pupils enrolled to study of which I am part. To mark the anniversary was an open contest for various designers on campus, both current and past to design a logo for their 70th anniversary celebration. The contest was keen but eventually Prince Asamoah Williams, an alumnus of the university got the mark.

(Takoradi Technical University Anniversary Logo)

The anniversary launch came after, which saw people from all walks of life present to witness these remarkable feet, notable dignitaries present were, the Paramount Chief of Abease Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, himself an Alumnus of TTU, the Western Regional Educational Director, Felicia Okai, Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko and many others.

There was a massive float also to mark the 70 years anniversary launch which involved the teaching staff, administrative, the student representative body, alumini’s, students and the general public. It was very huge with a PA system and the Tadi vibe for a brass band music.

Today was the turn of great products who have in one way or the other passed through the Polytechnic system now a Technical University. I must commend the planning committee for such a great input of planning to think of such.

THE ALUMINI ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Under the able leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun and the planning committee of the 70th anniversary, the round table discussion with alumni of the Technical University came off. The event coordinated by Pro. Vice. Snr Assistant Registrar, Mr. Nana Kwapong, saw great minds who have passed through the ranks of the institution and now prominent people in the society come together to share ideas on how best the Technical University can stand out from all Technical Universities in Ghana.

Pro. Vice. Senior Assistant Registrar, Nana Kwapong Offei-Boohene (MC)

The purpose of gathering

Doing us the honors was the Registrar, Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory. In His speech he made participants aware of the reason why they all happen to find their selves under one roof today; since the Technical University was celebrating its 70th anniversary there was no way they could leave out major stakeholders. So, to this, they saw the need to involve Alumini from the school to celebrate, reflect, network and engage them in best possible ways to make the university really stand out when it comes to Technical University education in Ghana. 

Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory, registrar, Takoradi Technical University 

Welcome Address

The Vice Chancellor of the Technical University Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun welcomed all the alumni for gracing the occasion, the anniversary, under the theme: “70 Years of Societal Relevance: Projecting Excellence and Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training”.

“Takoradi Technical University has been a beacon of excellence, hard work and innovation and a driving force in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) over the past 7 decades, from a humble beginning as a government institute in 1954 to the Polytechnic in 1992 and finally converted to a Technical University in 2016”. 

The vice chancellor went on to mention other achievements made by the Technical University, he said, currently the Technical University had a student population of about 18,000 students, of which the alumni body present gave a clap to that.  Also, the Technical University now has a distance education program of which it has been very successful. a school of graduate studies of which they are running about 12 master’s programs, graphic design, textiles, printing, hospitality and tourism management, statistics, petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, power production systems and integration, construction management, procurement and supply, entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise development (all master’s level).  There is also a disability unit in the school that handles people with disability challenges and it’s the first Technical University to do that.

Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice Chancellor, Takoradi Technical University (Welcome address)

In as much as the Technical University has transitioned to now; there are still challenges, of which a major of them has to do with Alumni (Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun said), by this they saw the need to gather all alumni under one roof to address, share ideas and also look at innovative ways to help make the vision of Takoradi Technical University manifest. Looking at the size of student population that have passed through the Technical University there was the need to strengthen the alumni group. Even though the government can help them with projects in the school, they cannot always handle all, and there was the need for various alumni from various year groups form a great union to help bolster other projects that the government of the day are unable to honor. Another challenge of the Technical University had to do with infrastructure, and that the alumni of the school should take it up.

The Alumni Round Table Discussion

In a moment of celebration nothing can hold one’s joy, there was a usual break to say hi to the stomach, alumni were treated with a welcoming breakfast from Akroma Plaza Hotel opposite Bompeh Senior High Technical School in Takoradi.

The interactive round table discussions preceded, as the saying goes; we agree to disagree, although there were no conflicts, times like these gives opportunity for people to pour out their concerns. By way of discussions various stakeholders shared their innovative ideas as to how to include some one or two levels of innovation to project the image of the Technical University. One major concern of the alumni’s gathered was the fact that during the Polytechnic days, tuition in the institution were more technical and that even the industrial attachment done by students of the Polytechnic made them stand out in their times compared to their colleagues at the University in terms of gaining employment, simply because the hands-on training really helped a lot and that, since the Polytechnic has transitioned to a Technical University they should not let their Arsenals down.

The alumni body made management aware of the various thoughts they’ve had about their institution, of which they gave a preview of an ultra-modern hostel facility which will in completion have about 1,178 bed facility and also the Goodnews; they have secured an amount of $16m for its construction. They urged various alumni in the entire ends of the world to help make this dream a realization by donating to a fund they have created on Chango.