At a brief but colorful ceremony at the school auditorium on Thursday, 8th February, 2024, the Accra Technical University launched its 75th Anniversary Celebrations with an extensive activity outline.
Held under the theme, “75 Years of Impacting Society and Driving Innovations”, the event attracted top educational dignitaries, politicians as well as students, staff and alumni.
Highlighting the importance of the anniversary, Dr. Wilfred K. Anim-Odame, chairman of the Governing council of ATU stated that it’s significant to celebrate the huge achievements.
“Seventy-five years of existence as an academic institution is a significant milestone that allows us to reflect not only on our sterling performances in the past but also look forward to a brighter future with joy. The unique journey of ATU began three-quarters of century ago with vision to provide quality technical education that would shape the minds of generations to come.” He said.
He continued, “As we look back over the past 75 years, the first lesson I would like to emphasis is a simple lesson of thankfulness.
According to him, the national agenda of promoting technical and vocational education in the country traced back to the establishment of the school in 1949, evolving into a technical institute in 1957 and ultimately achieving the status of a technical university in 2016.
He stressed that the enviable trend of the growth and development of the school reflects on it’s current achievements.
Characterized by determination, resilience and pursuit for excellence, Accra Technical University currently has students population of over 23,000 with wide range of programs ongoing.
Dr. Wilfred K Anim-Odame, however, expressed gratitude to visionaries, leaders, faculty, students, staff and alumni for the massive contribution to the growth of the school.
“We acknowledge our collective efforts that have yielded huge dividends in making Accra Technical University the 4th best in Ghana and the 28th best university in the Sub-Saharan Africa. For these and many others, we have every right to celebrate the anniversary.” The chairman of the Governing council of ATU, Dr. Wilfred K Anim-Odame said.
He again commended the government for implementing the TVET education and making meaningful impacts in the country.
Adding that, government has invested heavily to transform technical and vocational education and training in recent years.
“We applaud government for this great success in developing and strengthening technical education in the country. Accra Technical University is grateful for the support we have received from successive governments, industry partners and the people of this great nation.” He stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Education Minister, the Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo, MP, reiterated government’s efforts in transforming the technical education sector.
She stated that its will be prudent for all institutions across the country to pay critical role in promoting technical and vocational training.
The deputy Minister also commended and acknowledged the management of the Accra Technical University for upholding in high esteem the technical training of students.
On his part, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the Accra Technical University revealed that suitable measures have been outlined to ensure the institution achieve more milestones.
He mentioned that, the growth and development of the school is key and would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementations of some strategic projects.
Unveiling the 75th logo and anniversary clothe, the deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo was joined by Chairman of the Governing council, Dr. Wilfred K. Anim-Odame and Professor Amevi Acakpovi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the school.
As part of the celebrations, the chairperson of the planning committee, Professor Alice Constance Mensah revealed that series of activities have also been outlined from January to October this year.
They include alumni homecoming later this month, a debate in March, CEO series/Public lecture and sports & games in April.
The anniversary would also see several activities in May; presentation to adopted basic and senior high school, faculty mini exhibition, cooking competition, old school and food bazaar and international students day.
The committee also disclosed that there would be a Vice Chancellor’s conference and CEO series in June and August respectively. Anniversary concert and grand exhibition & fashion show in September.
The committee would therefore, climax the 75th anniversary with an awards & dinner night and thanksgiving service in October.
The event saw the attendance of distinguished traditional leaders from Adabraka and Mempehuasem, rep from TRADOC, former principals and rectors, members of convocation among others.