Tertiary Institutions Must Be Incubators Of Innovation For Students- McDan

Executive Chairman of the McDan Group, Dr Daniel McKorley has urged the urgent need for institutions of higher learning to adapt to trending changes and become incubators of innovation in order to effectively equip students with relevant skills and the mindset needed to survive in the vigorous job market.

“It is imperative that, our institutions of high learning adapt and innovate to equipt students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in this dynamic environment”,

According to him, the job market has rapidly shifted from just acquiring education and then getting absorbed into employment to current trends of technological advancements in the midst of globalisation where creativity and critical thinking is required to survive.

“In the past, the pathway to success were relatively straight forward, obtain a degree, secure a job, climb the corporste ladder, however, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Automation, artificial intelligence and globalisation have redefined the nature of work. The job of tomorrow would depend on just not technical proficiency, but creativity, critical thinking and adaptability. Therefore, our educational system must undergoe a transformation to forester these competencies. We must move beyond the traditional learning and embrace experimental interdidciplinary and flexible approaches to education”, Dr McKorley stated.

Addressing lecturers and students during the 2024 edition of the Students Industry Meeting (SIM) day of the School of Social Sciences of the University of Ghana on Monday July 1, 2024, Dr McKorley reiterated the need for universities and other high centres of learning to provide the avenue for students to question the status quo in a collaborative manner as they lead the change process as the future leaders.

“Educational Institutions must become incubators of innovation where students are encouraged to question, explore and experiment by promoting collaborative projects and forstering a culture of continues learining. We can prepare students not just to enter the workfore but to lead and shape it. It is only through such holistic and forward looking educational practices that we can empower the next generation to navigate and excel in the contrast interconnected world” Dr McKorley said.

He encouraged young people to exhibit the right attitude at all times, be passionate in the pursuit of their life goals and commit to service in order to become succesful in their chosen endeavours.

The SIM Day of the School pf Social Sciences is an annual event set aside for students to meet with industry players, professionals, policy makers and entrepreneurs tl share ideas, experiences and stimulate thoughts on best practices.

It is aimed at providing an avenue for the students to develop, acquire leadership and managerial skills even as they network of business lesders and potential employers.

The 2024 SIM Day was on the theme: “Empowering Our Students for tge World of Work”.

Other speakers at the event include Chief Eexeicitive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, Regional Head of HR, Ecobank Ghana PLC, Provost, College of Humanities, Prof Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Prof Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Afua Gyakyewaa Prempeh of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and a Senior Lecturer, Dr Ebenezer F. Amankwaa.

By: Christian Kpesese