Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Professor Kingsley Nyarko, has underscored the transformative role of TVET in the affairs of families, societies, and the country.
Speaking at a programme aimed at exploring a partnership between the Ghana National Union of Technical Students (GNUTS) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) on Thursday, July 4, 2024, Prof. Nyarko said that nations have developed because of significant investments in education, including TVET.
Prof. Nyarko, who doubles as MP for Kwadaso, asserted that the value of education lies in its ability to improve societies, address problems, and adapt to new challenges, highlighting the centrality of industrialization in achieving these.
“What will be the value of education if it does not improve our societies, make them functional, address problems, help them survive and thrive, and adapt to new challenges?”
“Nations that have developed and continue to progress and prosper are those that have put education on the front burner, made industrialization a core component of their development agenda, and made digitalization a driver of their socio-economic development.”
He noted that the government’s vision of creating an industrialised society is not just for the benefit of individuals receiving payments for their services but to ensure that any member of society obtains essential skills to benefit their immediate family and society by extension.
“The main aim of technical and vocational education and training programmes is to increase the employment of any person who could ultimately contribute to family society and the country as a whole. We should see TVET as the master key that will alleviate poverty, promote peace, conserve the environment, and improve the quality of life.”
“The development agenda of developing countries’ social structures has been that vocational education will prepare people for paid employment. However, we need to depart from this mindset and focus on the innovative and creative mind to establish enterprise,” he explained.
Director-General of the Commission of Technical and Vocational Education Training (CTVET), Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, who was also the chairman of the programme, said that despite the importance of TVET, which he said dates to history, our colonial masters had fixated the minds of Ghanaians on other forms of skill acquisition in order to support their trade.
Dr. Asamoah charged the students to focus on their training to help transform the country, expressing the commitment of the relevant authorities to support them in realising their aspirations.
“You are the one who can turn this nation around. So, the government, the Ministry of Education, the Commission for TVET, and all TVET institutions are all prepared to support you to make sure you become successful.”
President of the GNUTS, Abdul Aziz Abinye, stated that “TVET is more than an educational pathway,” adding that “it is a catalyst for economic prosperity, social mobility, and individual empowerment.”
He believes that TVET will promote a more sustainable and inclusive economic environment, along with developing the next generation of leaders.
“Through TVET, we can address the pressing issues of unemployment, skills mismatch, and social inequality. We can create a workforce that is adaptable, resilient, and equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. A workforce that is empowered to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development”
Mr. Abinye lauded the government for its investments in TVET so far while emphasising the importance of greater collaboration, industry partnerships, and policy support to make TVET “a viable and attractive option for students.”
*****
Never miss out on the news. Get your valuable breaking news and other vital content by following The Sikaman Times on WhatsApp Channel
*****
