ICT must drive nation towards prosperity – Asantehene

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has advised the citizenry, particularly the youth, to explore opportunities provided through the advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for self-development.

“ICT must become the carrier of an expanded educational system that makes it possible for learners to acquire the skills needed to function in the global economy,” he said.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, also the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who was addressing the 50th Congregation of the University in Kumasi, said the increasing use of ICT in higher education was one way to achieving educational outcomes.

Consequently, he cautioned the youth not to misapply ICT for unproductive ventures, saying they must be trained to appreciate its ethical and moral aspect to help build a stronger society.

This year’s congregation saw a total of 8,081 students graduating including 51 for Doctor of Philosophy (PHD).

The Asantehene said the era of post-graduate guaranteed-employment was long gone, and, therefore, graduates must fashion out their own destiny by coming out with innovative means for self-employment.

“The time calls for creativity, innovation and a can-do spirit,” he said, adding that those were the essential ingredients to success.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu challenged the graduating students to make use of the knowledge acquired and resolve to put their expertise to use in addressing development challenges confronting the nation.

Touching on the KNUST’s proposed Teaching Hospital project, the Chancellor appealed to the Government to make available funds to help complete the project.

Work on the project, which commenced in 2007, had been stalled due to inadequate funds.

Professor William Otoo Ellis, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, emphasised the critical role higher education plays in national development called on stakeholders to make the necessary investment to benefit the nation.

Source: GNA