University Of Ghana, Toyota Ghana Opens $1 m Engineering Training Center

Toyota Ghana Company Limited in partnership with the University of Ghana have openned a new ultra modern engineering science training center built at the cost of a $1m to help train students in the field of engineering.

The facility which was financed by the Automobile dealership company is in fulfilment of a partnership agreement signed between the two institutions since 2016 where UG provided a six acre land.

As a demonstration of its commitment towards training the manpower needs of Ghana, the Japanese company will administer a $100,000 scholarship fund to support brilliant but needy students within a ten year period as well as provide additional engineering equipment worth more than $2million within the same ten year period.

The state of the art engineering center is equipped with a computer aided design (Cad) room, which houses 40 computers, a three dimensional printing machine for the production of small parts designed by students for hands on experience.

It also houses three spacious lecture rooms capable of accommodating 250 students, with each room equipped with state of the art furniture and audio systems.

Other features of the facility includes a library, an engineering laboratory, an in house practical training workshop with automobile simulators , test rigs and vehicle hydraulic lifts.

Vice-Chancellor of U-G, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo described the partnership as a shining example of how institutions could work together to nurture the next generation of transformational leaders and problem solvers.

She indicated the centre would play a significant role in shaping the future of engineering education not only in the university, but the entire country.

“This project supports my vision to create a culture that promotes research, teaching and learning, and administrative processes and extension activities driven by technology anchored in humanism,” she said.

She added that the centre would serve as a model for future collaborations between academia and industry.

Commendation
The Japanese ambassador to Ghana, Hisanobu Mochizuki commended the management and staff of Toyota Ghana and the university for their commitment in ensuring the completion of the project.

“Through the aspirations and efforts of these two institutions, we have seen that there can be absolute synergy between industry and academia for common growth,” Mr Mochizuki said.

He reiterated Japan’s dedication to the development of Ghana, saying “we are prepared to continue our collaboration through various institutions to support the progress of all sectors of the Ghanaian economy.”
Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum commended the collaboration between the University and Toyota Ghana, and encouraged other educational and research institutions to follow suit.

He said such cooperation promotes academia-industry interactions, which in turn builds students’ skills and capabilities, preparing them for 21st-century education.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Adutwum, the University of Ghana Council members including its Chairperson, Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo (retd); the Vice-Chancellor of U-G, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and the Chairman of UG Chaplaincy Board, Prof. Charles Ackah.

Other dignitaries include the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hisanobu Mochizuki; the Managing Director of Toyota Ghana, Kohji Yanaka, and the Chief Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Patrick Nimoh.

By: Sedrick Robert Zu