Kumasi Technical University to train more female Engineers

Ghana’s industrial development has good prospects for transformation as more women opt for the study of Engineering.

That is the optimistic Vice-Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University, Professor Osei-Wusu Achaw, speaking on the sidelines of the school’s 27th matriculation.

He said the university and the nation have much to gain by encouraging females to pursue courses in engineering.

Out of 4,561 students admitted this academic year, 1,839, representing 30 per cent are women.

Professor Osei-Wusu Achaw acknowledges governments’ efforts at encouraging females in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.

He said the university has established scholarships and other support schemes for females to pursue studies in the STEM.

But Professor Osei-Wusu Achaw believes counselling is crucial a crucial first step to demystifying society’s perception of engineering and related careers.

“We’re also thinking of providing counselling as some of the ladies get intimidated. This is a technical university so mostly the programmes are skills-based. Sometimes, the ladies feel those areas are not for them

“We want the ladies to get to understand that engineering is for women just as it is for men,” Professor Osei-Wusu Achaw emphasised.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Dr Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah, hinted of an impending outreach for second-cycle schools on STEM courses.

She says after hosting the National Skills Competition twice, KsTU is well-grounded to leverage skills training for females.

“We’re embarking on outreaches in the Senior High Schools, we’ve started contacting the Ghana Education Service so we get access to the schools.

“So the four departments under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology will give them presentations and talk to them about the importance of engineering and technology,” Dr Obiri- Yeboah explained