A total 6,976 students of the Ac­cra Technical University (ATU) on Thursday graduated with Diplo­ma, Higher National Diploma, Ghana Armed Forces Certificate/Diploma/ Advanced Diplomas, and Bachelor of Technology programmes at its 24th graduation ceremony in Accra.

Out of the figure, 5,829 students representing 83.56 per cent were awarded with their certificates, while 1,147 also representing 16.44 per cent were not awarded.

Also, 842 students representing 12 per cent obtained First Class honours; 3, 128 students representing 45 per cent obtained Second Class Upper honours, 1,753 representing 25 per cent obtained Second Class Lower.

A speech read on behalf of the Min­ister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, stated that ATU holds a unique and vital place in the country’s education­al landscape, as one of the leading in­stitutions for technical and vocational education.

The sector minister told the grad­uates that the training they have re­ceived from the school have quipped them with the needed practical knowledge and competencies required to

drive industrialisation, foster entre­preneurship, and contribute meaning­fully to national development.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged that “In today’s global economy, tech­nical skills and innovative thinking are the engines of progress,” adding that employers today are looking for individuals who can analyse problems, think independently, and apply their skills in dynamic situations,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu underscored the impor­tance of technical and vocational education, as championed by ATU was more critical than ever, as it was not all about acquiring a certificate but about mastering a craft, understand­ing an industry, and being prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, said the University was in the process of sign­ing a memorandum of understanding with international partners, including California Community Colleges, to promote knowledge exchange and dig­ital education through the Pan-African Virtual College.

He advised the graduates to lead with integrity and create opportuni­ties for others, adding that, “If you are in technology, use it to bridge gaps and solve real-world problems, if you are in education, inspire and empower the next generation, if you are in service, be the voice for those who need it most.

“This is not a farewell to University life but a call to action; to innovate, to lead and to make a meaningful impact”.

 By Linda Abrefi Wadie