University of Ghana's School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences hosts inaugural career fair
The School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Ghana on Friday, October 20, 2023, organized its inaugural Career Fair, with the aim of bridging the gap between academic learning and industry application.
Advertisement
Held at the ISSER Conference Facility, the one-day event centred around the theme: "Pathways to Career Success - Gen Z, 4IR and the Future of Work". The organizers emphasized that the fair was a concerted effort to foster stronger ties between academia and industry.
During the opening ceremony, Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman, the Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), emphasized the significance of providing students with internship opportunities.
He underscored that such experiences not only benefit students but also reduce the training time required for companies upon recruitment.
Additionally, Prof. Onwona-Agyeman urged Ghanaian industries to collaborate on Research and Development with academic institutions to foster product development. He highlighted that local production would lead to a reduction in imports, thereby alleviating pressure on the Ghanaian cedi.
Prof. Isaac Wiafe, Chair of the Planning Committee for the Career Fair, extended gratitude to the event's sponsors, including Ghana Chamber of Mines, Chirano Mines, Ghana Gas Company, and GCB Bank.
He emphasized that the theme was chosen to address the need for retraining despite tertiary institutions producing high-calibre students.
Prof. Sandow Mark Yidana, the Dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, commended the quality of curricula in tertiary institutions, which yield exceptional graduates. He disclosed plans to enhance students' entrepreneurial capacities, with a program set to launch next year.
Prof. Yidana highlighted the pivotal role of the fair in facilitating interaction between academia and industry. He emphasized that this symbiotic relationship would lead to curriculum revisions, producing graduates well-prepared for the job market.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism that the fair would create internship opportunities, bolstering students' employability upon graduation.
Participating companies included Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Chirano Gold Mines Ltd., GCB Bank, intertek Minerals, PGS, AMNI, and Sems Exploration.
Representatives from these organizations provided insights into their respective companies and presented employment opportunities. Additionally, they manned stands, enabling students to engage directly with industry professionals.
