Education, Skills Development Conference Opens to Engender Investment in Science

Accra: The African Regional Conference on Education and Skills Development is underway in Accra with the aim to position Africa as an emerging leader in the future of science and technology. Being held under the theme 'Harnessing Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Tackle Youth Unemployment', the three-day conference will explore how African universities and technical institutions can educate a new generation of thinkers, researchers, and innovators to meet the challenges of the continent.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, highlighted the timeliness of the conference, given the prioritization of redefining education and addressing skill gaps for youth employment on national, regional, and global scales. He emphasized the integration of technology and education as a crucial pathway to sustainable development and economic empowerment, stressing that Ghana should not be left behind.Dr. Muhammed noted the importance of fostering an environment where education meets the evolving demands of the job market, equipping youth with skills to navigate a rapidly changing world. He expressed his enthusiasm for the conference's focus on redefining education to address skill gaps for youth employment and the need for broader policy frameworks by governments to enhance industry collaboration, employment opportunities, and digital transformation in education.Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, the Executive Chair of Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa (TESSA) and Chairman for the conference, urged African leaders to invest in science, technology, and skills development, emphasizing the removal of financial barriers in these fields to benefit every youth. He asserted that Generation Z possesses bright, innovative minds and creative capabilities that require government investment to achieve their potential, leading to a more productive society.Ambassador Rudo M. Chitiga, Permanent Secretary for Skills Audit and Development in Zimbabwe, emphasized the necessity of shifting focus from certificates to skills development to yield desired results. She pointed out the essential nature of skills-based education, especially in an era of rapid technological change, climate uncertainty, and global challenges. Ambassador Chitiga called for African leaders to refocus educational policies on science, technology, and skills development to ensure sustainable development, stating Zimbabwe's commitment to empowering every learner with relevant knowledge, skills, and values.