The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has launched an Innovation and Incubation Hub with the objective of equipping students with practical skills that will enable them to develop job creation abilities.
Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean, UGBS, expressed his delight at the realization of a a long-held goal, noting that even though the initiative had been unsuccessful on previous attempts the School had finally succeeded due to the it’s tenacity of purpose. He stated that the event marking the facility's launch was not only the result of vision or commitment, but also of the belief of the various stakeholders, in the vision, including industry captains and University administrators.
According to Prof. Bawole, the initiative aims to shift the culture of only teaching theory to involving practical methods aimed at shaping students to be well-equipped and competent to create and manage their own jobs. He recalled heartbreaking moments in the past when he had to refer students with commendable business ideas, who needed funding, to other organisations or institutions.
Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean, UGBS
He hoped that students will take risks, not only by passing through the Innovation Hub, but also by being more proactive in coming up with game-changing ideas for the market world. He stated that the School would target at least 1,000 students for a boot camp to provide them with the skillsets that will improve their entrepreneurial mindsets. He urged donors and sponsors to assist the Innovation Hub's management in its mission of training and empowering potential student entrepreneurs.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities, applauded the school for attaining such a milestone and encouraged students with innovative ideas to visit the Innovation Hub and explore. He encouraged students not to be afraid of making mistakes or failing, as they use the hub, as this was all part of the process of preparing them for the job market.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities
Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ORID), congratulated UGBS on the establishment of the Innovation and Incubation Hub and expressed his appreciation for the school's investment in a project focused on research and innovation. He stated that the University's Management had recently passed an Innovation Policy aimed at encouraging projects like this.
Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ORID)
He reiterated his desire for all schools in the University to replicate the initiative. Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante also stated that there are many talented individuals as well as many developmental problems in Ghana, Africa and the world. It is, therefore, important to train students to come up with solutions to these problems. He added that talent harvesting is not an individual venture but will be successful when students from various fields of study at the University are brought together.
A cross-section of participants at the Launch
In her keynote address, Mrs. Dorothy Opoku, General Manager, Commercial and Administration, Agricultural Managing Group (AMG), commended the University Management for initiatives to build facilities that will help students develop themselves. She indicated that the vision was very clear when the UGBS reached out to AMG to form a partnership for the creation of the Innovation and Incubation Hub, which will aid in the development of student enterprises in the University of Ghana community and throughout Ghana.
Mrs. Dorothy Opoku, General Manager, Commercial and Administration, Agricultural Managing Group (AMG)
"A partnership like this between UGBS and AMG Limited to develop the Innovation and Incubation Hub creates a vibrant atmosphere where fearless student entrepreneurs are encouraged and given a platform to attract new resources which will ensure their entrepreneurial success", she stated.
She expressed her firm belief that the hub will serve as a significant stepping stone toward the total transformation of Ghanaian youth mindsets into innovative and creative entrepreneurship.
A cross-section of participants at the Launch
In his closing remarks, Dr. George Acheampong, Lecturer, UGBS, thanked the University administration and other stakeholders for their tremendous support and reiterated that the setting up of the hub was successful due to various partnerships. He stated that the hub was not restricted to only students of UGBS but was opened to students from other schools in the various colleges.
The event was concluded with a tour of the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub facility.
Dr. George Acheampong, Lecturer, UGBS (far right) led the tour of the facility
Present at the event were Mrs. Emelia Agyei Mensah, Registrar; Dr. Yvonne Lamptey, Acting Director, Human Resource and Organisational Development Directorate; Mr. Anum, Intellectual Property Office of Ghana; Dr. Bright Mawutor, Dean, Wisconsin International University College Business School ; Madam Akosua Manu, Deputy CEO, National Youth Authority and Mr. Emmanuel Opoku Sarkodie, Administrator, UGBS.
A group photo of some dignitaries who were at the event
Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, Faculty, Staff and Students of UGBS and the University were also in attendance.
