The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has charged the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) to take a bold leadership role in the development of sustainable agricultural practices that support food security and rural transformation in the Upper East Region.
Speaking during the inauguration of the university’s new governing council, the Tamale South legislator urged members to link the institution’s research and academic work directly to the livelihoods of the communities around it.
“Sustainable agriculture must not just be a theory in the classroom. BTU has a responsibility to translate its technical expertise into everyday solutions that improve farming yields, ensure climate resilience, and create jobs for young people in the region,” the Minister noted.
Accorring to him, the government’s vision for technical universities is not just to produce graduates but to train innovators and problem-solvers.
He said, “the strength of our education system lies in its ability to solve problems. BTU must rise to that task in agriculture and beyond,” he added.
With Ghana’s agriculture sector facing challenges of climate change, low productivity, and limited mechanization, technical universities like BTU have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
Mr. Iddrisu expressed confidence that the new council will steer the institution toward becoming a regional hub for applied agricultural innovation, leveraging the talents of students and researchers for maximum community impact.
The university is also set to benefit from a US$5 million grant from the Government of Italy under a bilateral arrangement to boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana.
The grant, managed through the Ministry of Education, will support infrastructure upgrades, the acquisition of modern equipment, and the development of new technical programs that respond to labor market needs.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
