Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for increased investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to drive national development and better position Ghanaian youth on the global job market.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Governing Council of Sunyani Technical University, the Minister emphasized the crucial role STEM education plays in Ghana’s future.
“I have no fear of contradiction that the future of our country hinges on training young people more in the areas of science, technology, and engineering,” he said. “That is what we should do, and we are already in the position to do that.”
Mr. Iddrisu underscored the need to expand Sunyani Technical University to accommodate the growing demand for technical education.
“I am also aware that you are seeking to expand,” he noted. “I will therefore engage the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to see how we get that done,” he assured.
The Minister acknowledged the institution’s infrastructure challenges and pledged the Ministry’s support in addressing them.
“I am also aware that you have a major infrastructure deficit,” he stated. “I assure you, as Minister, I will support you with infrastructure—particularly lecture theaters—to support young people who are desirous of accessing quality higher education in the area of electronics engineering.”
The Minister also revealed plans to include technical universities in the government’s Big Push Initiative, a major infrastructure investment program.
“I have made a strong request to the President to justify support for infrastructure,” he said. “The Big Push should not be narrowly used but can also be used to expand infrastructure in the technical universities,” he stated.
