Veep tasks tertiary schools to be innovative

Accra, March 25, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama at the weekend, noted that it is paradoxical that tertiary schools, which are the constant source of intellectual, scientific and technological innovations to society are sticking to the old ways of doing things. "Humanity in present times is confronted with many challenges and pressures, for which tertiary institutions cannot afford to continue in their conservative tradition by holding on to structures and operations that make it difficult for them to meet the expectations of the larger society," he said.

Vice President Mahama made the observation at the seventh graduation ceremony of Jayee Institute, a private tertiary school, affiliated with the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in the Central Region.

He said: "The time has come for our tertiary institutions in this era of globalisation to effect meaningful changes in their programmes, structures and governance mechanisms if they are to serve the socio-economic needs of our country and also stay competitive in the 21'st century."

Vice President Mahama asked the school authorities to adopt business strategies that would make the academic facility more efficient and ensure that their research work meets the intellectual challenges and market demands.

"By that way, you would be providing the leadership that society requires as a catalyst to spearhead progress."

Vice President Mahama tasked the school to become a centre for the development of Information, Communication and Technology to enable the country to position its self as a contributor to the information age. He asked the graduates to apply the knowledge they have gained into solving the problems of society.

"Your parents and guardians have made huge investments in your training. I will therefore request you to reciprocate, this kind gesture by rendering faithful and devoted services to them, your community and the country at large. It is my hope that you will live up to this expectation."

Mr John Emmanuel Donkoh, Principal of Jayee said the school was in consultation with UEW to introduce a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with options in Political Science, Sports, Business and Law. He said the programme would bring a rich expansion in the training of journalists in the country by introducing a four- year training programme to make products very thoughtful and write analytical stories to raise the image of journalism.

Mr Donkoh appealed to the Government to set aside money for accredited tertiary schools to source as loan with low interest for infrastructural development, teaching and learning facilities. "The private sector has the duty to initiate and supplement programmes for the holistic development of any nation."

Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, Vice Chancellor of the UEW said mediocre journalists were springing up everywhere and peddling stories that could undermine national stability, hence the need for the training of a new crop of journalists who would approach their work with maturity.

Dr Isaac Sagoe, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Jayee, said the school would expand its academic facilities in Accra and later move to Sunyani and Takoradi.