The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, UMaT at Tarkwa, Professor Anthony Simons has encouraged students to specialize in projects where they have a comparative advantage to where they can be effective and make the desired impact.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor made these remarks at the Innovation and Career Fair where students showcased their ability to put theory into practice and prepare the student for the future as either entrepreneurs or most sought-after due to their practical industry skills.
” This shows that our young guys are thinking, about trying to apply the theories taught to solve problems.
This one goes in tandem with STEM education, so it is good. Though they may not get it perfectly right, at this moment the idea they have come out with some kind of innovation.
We need to mentor them, coach them, and encourage them so that they can come out in reality,” Prof. Simons said.
With the rising rate of unemployment among young people, due to a lack of opportunities and relevant skills required by industries.
Amongst the innovation was the smart helmet with a mobile app to ensure total compliance in the mines, the automated railway system with an app that will authenticate and control the railway traffic system to avoid a potential accident at level crossings, and converting a manual wheelchair into an electric part smart wheelchair.
The team from the electrical and electronic department which converted manual wheelchairs to electric power wheelchairs emerged as winners and took away a cash price of Two Thousand Cedis.
The team lead, Miss Elizabeth Acheampong explained that their project was to help persons with mobility challenges.
Mr. Daniel Ofori, Director of Innovations at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, NEIP commended the students for the skills and talents exhibited, adding that his outfit is ever ready to support the students to become job creators and not job seekers.
–UMaT
