Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, attributes the rising problem of graduate unemployment in Ghana to structural weaknesses within the country’s economy.
Speaking at the 10th Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Summer School, he called on the government to focus on devising solutions for these challenges.
Aryeetey stressed the need for the government to acknowledge the significant structural issue at hand, emphasizing that merely enrolling students in institutions like KNUST and Accra Technical University will not resolve the issue. He pointed out that while some students may obtain degrees, only a limited number will secure employment.
Additionally, he connected this issue to the sluggish growth of the Ghanaian industrial sector. According to him, the shortage of employment opportunities for graduates is partially due to the industry’s lack of readiness to absorb them.
Aryeetey also highlighted the broader problem of industry stagnation in Africa, especially in sectors that require the specialized skills produced by universities.
The KNUST Summer School aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of university staff and affiliated partners in pursuit of sustainable development goals and the enhancement of education quality.
This year’s event is being decentralized across various colleges and units, focusing on the theme, “Academia-Industry Partnership for National Development.”
Mrs. Constance Swaniker, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Accent and Arts Limited, suggested that universities incorporate mandatory internships into their academic programs.
She emphasized that internships and apprenticeships should be integral to the curriculum and mandatory for all students, starting from their first year until graduation.
Swaniker emphasized the importance of practical experience throughout a student’s academic journey for skill development.
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