UEW Chancellor calls for accelerated job creation policies
The University of Education Winneba last Saturday graduated 8,356 students with a call on government to accelerate the transformation of the digital economy to leverage its potential to generate jobs and transform traditional industries.
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The Chancellor of the university, Neenyi Ghartey VII, who made the call, said there was the need to launch targeted and time-bound employment initiatives that focused on labour-intensive sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture and manufacturing to improve the unemployment situation.
Out of the figure, 1,732 students were awarded diplomas, 5,492 students were awarded first degrees and 1,132 students were awarded various postgraduate degrees.
Among the first-degree graduates, 182 obtained first class, 932 had second class upper, 1,755 had second class lower, 1,821 had third class while 802 obtained a pass.
The graduands included 3,611 students from the College for Distance and e-Learning (CODeL).
Addressing the second session of the 27th graduation of the university at the weekend (Aug 26), Neenyi Ghartey who is also the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, said that could provide immediate relief to the unemployed while fuelling economic growth.
He said that should be done along with revamping dedicated programmes to equip young people with relevant skills for the modern job market by encouraging entrepreneurship and providing training, mentorship and funds to support the development of the next generation of job creators.
The graduands
Neenyi Ghartey also called on government to strengthen youth-focused policies that promoted education, vocational training and entrepreneurship to empower the next generation and enhance their contribution to the economy.
In doing so, he said the government policy must facilitate the collaboration of educational institutions with industries to align curricula with market demands and equip the workforce with relevant skills, especially in emerging sectors such as technology and green industries, to bridge the skills gap and increase employability.
"By supporting existing industries facing downturns due to external shocks, strengthening vulnerable sectors, and encouraging innovation, the government can safeguard jobs and promote long-term sustainability,” he added.
Be innovative
He urged the graduands to work harder to create jobs and effectively contribute towards the nation's growth.
"Unemployment is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity for innovation and transformation.
Embrace your role as a graduand by adopting a proactive mindset rather than waiting for the perfect job to come your way, consider becoming a job creator yourself.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are two key avenues through which you can contribute to economic development and employment generation," he stated.
Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mawutor Avoke, for his part, advised the graduands to be adaptable, open to new experiences, and willing to pivot when necessary and develop the ability to embrace change as it was a key driver of success.
"Our world is a tapestry of cultures, perspectives and backgrounds.
Embrace diversity, seek to understand different viewpoints and foster inclusivity wherever you go.
It will enrich your life and make you a better global citizen.
I also urge you to cultivate meaningful relationships with your peers, mentors, family and lecturers.
These connections can open doors, offer guidance and provide support throughout your career," he added.
Status quo
He further advised them to challenge the status quo and to stay curious to fuel innovation and personal growth, adding that the pursuit of answers could lead to remarkable discoveries.
He also urged them to prioritise their physical and mental health, spend time with loved ones, and create a balance that ensures both personal and professional fulfilment.
Prof. Avoke indicated that apart from a few distractions by a cohort of staff, often too timid to use their real names, but rather come as concerned staff, peace and sanity had by large been restored to UEW.
"Workers don't feel intimidated generally any longer and are all focused towards working to realise their dreams and that of UEW," he added.
He welcomed the incoming vice-chancellor, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, and called for support from all stakeholders for his tenure to be a successful one.
