Accra: Professor George Abungu, an expert in Heritage Studies, has called for the reinforcement of the relationship between humanities and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) studies. Professor Abungu criticized the false impression that separates the two fields, arguing that their seamless collaboration is not a luxury but a necessity for building and sustaining advanced societies.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Abungu made these remarks at the 3rd School of Arts Biennial International Conference organized by the University of Ghana School of Arts. The international conference, scheduled from August 5-7, drew experts from Ghana and other countries to deliberate on Arts and STEM education. The three-day conference was centered around the theme, 'SteAming STEM Education with Arts for Sustainable Development,' highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex global challenges, from sustainable development to social equity.
Professor Abungu shared his personal journey as a young archaeology student at the University of Nairobi in Kenya to illustrate his point. He explained how his early curiosity in archaeology evolved into an interdisciplinary pursuit, requiring engagement with chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, and biology to fully understand his field. This experience, he noted, taught him that innovation and progress are born of collaboration between diverse perspectives, not from competition.
He further asserted that humanities provide the essential framework for values, ethics, and governance, giving technological progress its purpose and meaning. Professor Joseph Awetori Yaro, Provost of the College of Humanities at UG, echoed these sentiments, stating that employers increasingly value humanities graduates for their critical thinking and adaptability, challenging the notion that technical skills alone ensure success.
Prof. Yaro acknowledged the global decline in humanities funding but stressed Africa's unique opportunity to preserve its cultural and intellectual heritage. He called for creative solutions to sustain humanities education amid financial constraints.
