Universities must be development-aligned – Dr. Apaak

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has urged universities to align academic programmes with national development priorities to ensure relevance and impact.

Addressing the induction of Professor Daniel Ganu as Vice-Chancellor of Valley View University, he stressed that institutions must respond to the needs of the economy.

He noted that “we must align our academic programmes with the needs of the economy” to make graduates more relevant in a rapidly changing world.

He further highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that “we encourage stronger partnerships between universities, industry, and government” to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

According to him, such partnerships are essential in preparing students not just for employment, but to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Deputy Minister also called for increased focus on practical research, emphasizing that “we must also invest in research that addresses real challenges, whether in education, health, agriculture, or technology.”

He indicated that universities have a responsibility to drive innovation that directly impacts society.

He maintained that higher education must go beyond academic instruction, adding that institutions are “not only training students for jobs” but preparing them “to solve problems, to think critically, and to lead with integrity.”