Prof. George Oduro Nkansah, Director of the IAST
The Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) at the University of Ghana has organised the 4th Industry –Academia Interaction Series under the theme: UG @70: The paradigm between Academia and Industry. The interaction forms part of the IAST week-long activities to mark the University’s 70th Anniversary.
In his welcome address, Prof. George Oduro Nkansah, Director of the IAST, said the series was to provide the platform where industry comes face to face with Academia and find solutions to local and global issues. He said the interaction also sets a new paradigm for industry-academia interface.
The keynote speaker, Nana Osei Bonsu, C.E.O of Private Enterprises Federation, in his address, made a call for academia and industry to collaborate to help develop the nation. According to Nana Osei Bonsu, the increasing economic competition and growing complexities of the world today, calls for collaboration between industry and academia. He added that, partnership will explore potentials and bring about innovations that are mostly needed in the country.
Nana Osei Bonsu also provided strategic ways that can strengthen the relationship between academia and industry. His recommendations were; adoption of practical training methods and exposure for students, compulsory mentorship and attachment programmes as part of the credit hours of students, a digital platform where academia and industry can communicate. He also indicated that, academia must consult and dialogue with the business community before they undertake research. Also, research institutions must look for alternative means of funds through business angle related researches.
Nana Osei Bonsu, C.E.O of Private Enterprises
Present were Chief Executive Officers of companies which took part of the exhibition and Faculty of the University.
Other programmes organised as part of the week-long celebration were; a seminar on the importance and challenges of the pyrolysis of cocoa husk for cocoa farmers, exhibition fair and the student innovation challenge.
Some members of the audience
