Sunyani: Professor Akbar Saeed, an Associate Professor of Information Systems at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, has stressed the importance of reliable internet accessibility in empowering Africa's youth to enhance their lives. He highlighted the untapped potential of young people on the continent, suggesting that access to internet facilities could provide crucial opportunities for self-learning amidst the challenges of affording formal education.
According to Ghana News Agency, Prof Saeed made these remarks during an interview on the sidelines of the Second International Conference on Science, Technology, and Health Innovation for Sustainable Development (STHISD 2025). This event, organized by the School of Sciences at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, focused on the theme of advancing sustainable futures through various sectors including environment, health, ICT, and food security.
Prof Saeed pointed out that while formal education remains vital, the financial barriers make it inaccessible for many African youth. He advocated for the provision of reliable internet and affordable plans to enable young people to access a wealth of free online resources, facilitating self-education and innovation that could contribute significantly to community development. "There's a wealth of free knowledge online that can empower young people to educate themselves in various fields, even without ever entering a formal institution," he stated.
In addition, Prof Samuel Fosu Gyasi, the Dean of the School of Sciences at UENR, emphasized that the conference served as a vital platform for collaboration among academia, industry, government, and civil society. He noted the importance of translating research findings into practical solutions that integrate environmental stewardship, human health, technological innovation, and food security, thereby paving a sustainable path towards a resilient future.
