'Universities Are Key To Economic Development'

·Asare Akuffo

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION has been described as the key to unlock the challenges that have hindered the economic development of the country for a very long time.

According to Asare Akuffo, Managing Director of HFC Bank, the universities and polytechnics are crucial to the nation's quest of attaining middle-income status as well as enhancing the living standards of Ghanaians.

Addressing the students of Regent University College of Science and Technology last Friday, Mr. Akuffo said Ghana would develop at a faster pace if the number of university graduates in the country increases, explaining that they would add innovations and ideas to accelerate the growth of businesses.

Advising the newly enrolled students, he challenged them to develop entrepreneurial skills so that they can establish their own companies in the future.

“Your country needs new entrepreneurs who can build businesses that would last and go beyond the borders of the country,” he reiterated.

He described science and technology as effective tools in development of a nation, citing China as a clear example. Mr. Akuffo told the students to acquire skills that would enable them to be part of any venture.

The theme for this year's matriculation was, “The Role of Leadership in Confronting African's Challenges.”

The President of the Regent University College, Professor E Kingsley Larbi said there was the need to find out why Ghana and Africa have some of the finest scientists and engineers who are serving in various capacities around the globe but the continent was underdeveloped.

He emphasized that the continent has the capacity to overcome the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, diseases and filth, which have become the bane for the country's development.

“Change is possible but for any meaningful change to occur in this nation and on the continent, we need clear-sighted, courageous, dedicated and selfless transformational leaders,” he added.

He noted that the African continent needs leaders with vision who can understand leadership in terms of service.

In all, 651 people matriculated for the 2010/2011 academic year, with 593 students including 370 males and 223 females pursing various degree programmes while the rest are offering masters and postgraduate programmes.

The school, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, has lined up many activities.

By Charles Nixon Yeboah