The Diamond Jubilee is being celebrated under the theme, “STU, 60 Years of Excellence: Advancing STEM and TVET for Industry Leadership and Sustainable National Development,” marking six decades of the institution’s transformation from the Sunyani Technical Institute in 1967, to a polytechnic in 1997, and its elevation to a technical university in 2016.
Speaking at the launch in Sunyani, Vice-Chancellor Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah described the occasion as a significant milestone in the university’s history, noting that STU has remained committed to producing highly skilled graduates through practical, industry-focused education.
He traced the institution’s evolution over the past 60 years and paid tribute to its founders, including Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as well as the chiefs and people of the Sunyani Traditional Area for donating the land on which the university was established.
The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the continued support of the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, for safeguarding the university’s lands from encroachment.
He announced that the anniversary celebrations, which will run until June 2027, will feature a series of activities including public lectures, innovation and technology exhibitions, industry-academia roundtable discussions, career and entrepreneurship fairs, community outreach programmes, alumni homecoming events, sports festivals, fundraising activities, an awards night and a grand anniversary durbar.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Samuel Awuah-Nyamekye, said the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the university’s achievements but also to position it for future growth.
He noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and renewable energy require institutions to produce graduates who are innovative, entrepreneurial and globally competitive.
Prof. Awuah-Nyamekye reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening research, digital transformation, faculty development and industry partnerships to establish STU as a leading centre of excellence in STEM and TVET. He also appealed to government, industry, alumni and development partners to support the university’s long-term vision.
Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Jones Lewis Arthur, described the Diamond Jubilee as a celebration of six decades of resilience, innovation and transformation.
According to him, the anniversary presents an opportunity for the university to renew its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Prof. Arthur, who also serves as Director of Quality Assurance and Academic Planning, said the newly launched Strategic Plan would serve as the institution’s roadmap towards becoming Ghana’s preferred technical university and a recognised leader in Africa’s technological and industrial transformation.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the university’s third strategic plan, themed “Educating for Innovation and Sustainable Transformation.”
The plan is built around two strategic pillars and nine priority areas focused on improving academic excellence, expanding industry-driven TVET programmes, modernising infrastructure, integrating information and communication technology and artificial intelligence into university operations, strengthening quality assurance, enhancing resource mobilisation, improving governance, promoting internationalisation and building a vibrant alumni network.
Representing the Bono Regional Minister, the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Vincent Antwi Agyei, reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the continued growth and development of Sunyani Technical University.
The launch brought together traditional leaders, government officials, representatives of sister universities, alumni, staff, students, development partners and members of the public, who pledged their support for the successful implementation of the university’s strategic vision and its year-long Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Source: 3news
