Industry stakeholders have emphasized the pressing need for Management of Tertiary Institutions to incorporate Information Technology (IT) into their curricula to equip students with essential skills for today’s job market. This call was made during the “Employer Skills Seminar (EMSIS) micro project,” hosted by the Industrial Liaison Office of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) with support from the Education Collaborative and Ashesi University.
At the seminar, which focused on preparing students for employment, speakers highlighted the critical role of IT skills in securing job opportunities. They cited the increasing automation of government transactions, exemplified by the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), as a clear indicator of the indispensability of IT proficiency across various professions.
Mr. Fuseini Nantogma, the Finance Officer of the Garu District Assembly, emphasized that IT skills are essential for professionals in roles such as Accountant, Procurement Officer, Planner, Secretary, and Transportation Officer to effectively perform their duties in today’s digital environment.
Mr. Fidelis Amobire, a Procurement Officer, shared challenges faced by colleagues lacking IT skills during the introduction of GIFMIS, highlighting the importance of upskilling to remain relevant in the workforce.
Mr. Samuel Aduko, the Director of Procurement at BTU, emphasized the widespread reliance on IT in both public and private sectors, stressing the importance of students taking IT studies seriously to enhance their employability.
Mr. Alexis Ayamdor, the Project Lead, underscored the significance of extracurricular activities in career development and expressed gratitude to Education Collaborative and Ashesi University for their support in implementing the project.
Professor Theophilus Azungah, the Dean of the School of Business and Management Studies, commended industry stakeholders for sharing valuable insights and urged students to leverage the knowledge gained from the seminar.
Overall, the seminar aimed to align students’ skills with industry demands, contributing to their career readiness and employability in the ever-evolving job market.
