The Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Dr. Margaret Wekem Kukeba, has emphasized the need for the university's research to go beyond academic recognition and address the challenges facing the Upper East Region. She made these remarks during a discussion on A1 Radio about the future of science and technology education in the region. Dr. Kukeba stressed that rankings and publications should not be treated as an end in themselves.
Dr. Kukeba highlighted areas where UTAS expertise could be applied to regional problems, including disease surveillance, public health, agriculture, Geographic Information Systems, computing, and cybersecurity. She cited the university's research performance as a demonstration of its scientific expertise but noted that the greater challenge lies in converting that knowledge into practical solutions. This requires universities to move beyond publishing research to developing technologies and supporting the application of scientific knowledge.
Dr. Kukeba expressed concerns about the ability of Ghanaian scientists to apply skills acquired through advanced training when they return to institutions without necessary equipment. She pointed to the Upper East Region's mineral resources, including gold, as an area where stronger scientific capacity and equipment could enable local expertise to play a greater role in exploration and development. UTAS has begun developing expertise in geology, but further investment in scientific infrastructure is required.
Dr. Kukeba called on the government, private sector, development partners, and other stakeholders to support universities with equipment, resources, and partnerships needed to strengthen research and innovation. She emphasized that science is critical to Ghana's development and that collaboration between universities, government, and industry is necessary to turn research into practical solutions. This would enable UTAS to contribute more directly to the development of the Upper East Region.
The Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UTAS noted that the university's research must respond directly to regional challenges in health, agriculture, technology, and other sectors. She emphasized that translating research into practical solutions requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. Dr. Kukeba's comments highlight the need for a more practical approach to research and innovation in Ghana's universities.
Dr. Kukeba's concerns about the lack of equipment in Ghanaian institutions were echoed in her remarks about the challenges faced by scientists returning from advanced training. She pointed out that while Ghanaian scientists have the potential, they often find themselves unable to apply their skills effectively due to a lack of necessary equipment. This, she noted, is a critical challenge that must be addressed.
The A1 Radio discussion on "The Future of Science and Technology Education in the Upper East Region: The Role of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences" highlights the need for a more practical approach to research and innovation in Ghana's universities. Dr. Kukeba's comments emphasize the importance of collaboration and investment in scientific infrastructure to support the development of the Upper East Region.
Key points
- Dr. Margaret Kukeba calls for UTAS research to address Upper East Region challenges.
- UTAS research must translate into practical solutions for health, agriculture, and technology.
- Collaboration and investment in scientific infrastructure are necessary to support research and innovation.
