News – Bolgatanga Technical University

Government urged to prioritize TVET for industrial transformation in Ghana

admin — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:11:52 +0000

Cross section of the graduands at the Graduation Ceremony

Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice Chancellor of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), has observed that the government intention of revitalizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Ghana would only be meaningfully achieved if the needed logistics and facilities are provided to Technical Universities and other related institutions.

Prof Alnaa made observation during the 13^th congregation ceremony of the University, held on May 17, 2025 at Sumbrungu, the main campus of the University.

Prof Alnaa called on government to as a matter of urgency provide the needed logistics and facilities for TVET education in the country to help boost the human resource base and to increase productivity.

“If we want the TVET sector, particularly the Technical Universities, to be the pathfinders of Ghana’s industrialization drive then the government should, as a matter of a deliberate agenda, provide the needed equipment, infrastructure, and financing for the TVET sector”, he stressed.

The Vice Chancellor cited the success story of the so-called “Asian Tigers”, including countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, which he noted invested massively in TVET to fast-track economic advancement.

“The Asian Tigers are where they are today because they made a deliberate commitment of resources to their TVET sectors. Let’s learn well from them”, the Vice Chancellor noted.

Professor Alnaa reiterated that while management of BTU continued to make strides in academic progress and international collaboration, its potential remained challenged by infrastructural challenges, including lecture halls and offices and urged government and other development partners including Corporate Institutions and Philanthropists to contribute to the growth of the BTU.

MINISTER COMMENDS BTU FOR CONTRIBUTING TO TVET IN GHANA

ELISHA AYAKPAGI — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:06:14 +0000

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has lauded the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) for its significant drive and contributions to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana and beyond.

Speaking at the 13th congregation ceremony of the University held on May 17, 2025 at its main campus at Sumbrungu in the Upper East Region, the Regional Minister, commended the university for its impressive strides in promoting industrialization and innovation through TVET.

He praised BTU for its growing influence on Ghana’s development, describing the institution as “a beacon of knowledge and innovation” that is helping to shape the future of the country’s workforce.

“I wish to commend Management and indeed all stakeholders for your collaborative and dedicated service to education, particularly TVET in this country. Together, we can make this University a beacon of excellence and innovation by setting new standards and inspiring others”, he said.

Touching on national efforts to strengthen the TVET sector, the Regional Minister, acknowledged that many institutions still faced significant infrastructural and logistical challenges and reiterated government’s commitment to revitalizing the sector.

The Regional Minister disclosed that government had uncapped the GETFund, which is expected to unlock over GH¢4.1 billion and pledged that this will be used to complete stalled educational infrastructure projects, fund the free Senior High School programme, and support free tertiary education for Persons with Disability (PWDs)

He said budgetary allocation of GH¢452.9 million had also been made to cover the ‘No Academic Fee’ policy for first-year tertiary students, which will benefit 156,294 first-year students in public tertiary institutions for the 2025 academic year.

Mr Akamugri reiterated government’s commitment to reforming and retooling the scholarship regime to benefit continuing students and improve the Student Loan Trust Fund Plus to ensure prompt and needs-based disbursements.

“The Ministry of Education remains committed to resolving infrastructural deficits such as inadequate furniture, lecture halls, and hostel facilities, to provide a more conducive environment for teaching and learning”, he said.

Addressing the graduands, the Regional Minister acknowledged the challenges of a competitive and evolving labour market but encouraged them to remain resilient and committed to their roles as professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

“Your graduation today represents a new chapter in your lives, as it officially marks the beginning of your professional journeys,” the Minister said.

Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, noted that BTU aimed to become the most preferred institution nationally and globally for TVET education and called for special support to recruit staff to help realize the dream.

BTU TO RUN MORE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

ELISHA AYAKPAGI — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:59:11 +0000

By Obed Dalad Mba

(Public Affairs Directorate)

The Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) has announced its intention to run more postgraduate programmes in the areas of Marketing and Communication Studies, Hospitality Management, Accounting, Financial Engineering, as well as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to meet the evolving demands of industry and society.

Currently, among the departments that are running postgraduate programmes include Ecological Agriculture and Procurement and Logistics Managements (PLM).

Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice Chancellor, of BTU, who made this known during the 13th congregation of the University, held on May 17, 2025 at its main campus at Bolgatanga- Sumbrungu in the Upper East Region, stressed that the University is very ambitious to contributing to the redefining Ghana’s higher education and industrial landscape.

“These will create progression pathways for both professional and academic development of students. In view of this, I urge the public to choose from our brochure of programmes available to develop their competencies and skills for job creation and also take advantage of job openings that may come their way,”, the Vice Chancellor said.

Professor Alnaa who indicated that the University had already introduced several programmes in order to contribute to meeting the growing demand of the industry, however, stated that the University had inadequate teaching staff to teach the various courses.

“We have to contend with the existing staff and part-time lecturers, who are currently overloaded with so many courses to teach. This is very straining and negatively affects the instructional delivery of lecturers as well as assessment of students. Given the above, I implore government to urgently consider granting us financial clearance to recruit more staff”, he appealed.

The Vice Chancellor further reminded government of the infrastructure challenges of the University including limited lecture halls and office space and appealed to government to help address the situation which has been on the drawing board since 2017.

“It is very unfortunate that this project is still not given any financial allocation to get it constructed. We plead with the government to come to the aid of Bolgatanga Technical University as the lecture hall situation is very disturbing”, he said.

A total of 676 graduands, comprising 389 males and 287 females were awarded with various degrees, ranging from Bachelor of Technology, Higher National Diploma, Diploma, CBT graduands.

In a speech, read on his behalf, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), emphasized the role of TVET in transforming the economy and commended BTU for its role in producing entrepreneurs to feed the industry.

“Bolgatanga Technical University has the potential to become a center for automotive and mechanical services and training by utilizing its state-of-the art laboratories and workshops. In this sense, I am confident that it would promote job creation for the country’s development and strengthen the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region”, he said.

Outgoing Registrar Bids Farewell to BTU Administrative Staff

Obed Mba — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:33:33 +0000

On Friday, March 17, 2025, the outgoing Registrar of Bolgatanga Technical University, Zangu-Rana Ibrahim. D. Yakubu,
bid farewell to the staff of the Registry after a remarkable service of almost 20 years to the University. Having been
the first substantive Secretary and Registrar at the institution when it was still a Polytechnic, he later became the first
Registrar after the institution transitioned into a Technical University in 2020. His tenure officially concluded in
December 2024, but his compulsory retirement at the age of 60 will take effect in August 2025.

Addressing the staff, the outgoing registrar expressed his sincere gratitude for the support and cooperation he had received throughout his career. He noted that his work was made possible through the assistance from the dedicated staff of the Registry. He expressed pride in his achievements and spoke of the growth of the university’s administrative team. Reflecting on his early years, he recalled how, when he first started in 2005, there were no senior members in the administration.

He, however, noted that over the years, through persistence and encouragement, he had helped build a capable team that now includes three Deputy Registrars, Senior Assistant Registrars, and Assistant Registrars, among others. He assured the staff that his departure would not affect the university’s operations, given the wealth of experience and expertise within the team.

He also encouraged the staff to continue to demonstrate the same level of commitment and dedication they had shown when the institution was first established. The outgoing registrar took the opportunity to address the issue of workers lateness to work, urging staff to change their attitudes to support the growth and success of the university.

Handing Over

The ceremony continued with the formal handing over of office. Zangu-Rana I.D. Yakubu officially passed on his notes to the senior-most deputy registrar, Mr. Richard A. Atiah, who was appointed by the outgoing governing council to act as the Acting Registrar until a substantive registrar is appointed.

After handing over the notes, the outgoing registrar urged the staff to extend their full support to Mr. Atiah in his interim role. He acknowledged that Mr. Atiah would face many challenges in his new position but advised him to remain focused, fair, and firm in executing his duties.

Mr. Atiah, in turn, paid a heartfelt tribute to the former registrar. He expressed gratitude for the mentorship he had received over the years, which had played a pivotal role in his own professional development. He highlighted the outgoing registrar’s passion for mentoring, strong work ethic, and genuine concern for employee welfare. He wished that the outgoing registrar could have had the opportunity to serve for another four years but acknowledged that the constitutional limits must be respected. Mr. Atiah assured the staff that he would continue to seek the outgoing registrar’s guidance when needed and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.

Tributes from Staff

The farewell ceremony concluded with staff members taking turns to pay tribute to the outgoing registrar, highlighting how he had positively impacted their lives and careers. Many of them fondly recalled the humorous moments they shared with him and his approachable nature. His signature phrase, “Can you imagine?” became a memorable part of his legacy, resonating throughout the campus and in the hearts of all who worked with him.

Zangu-Rana I.D. Yakubu’s tenure at Bolgatanga Technical University will be remembered not only for his leadership and contributions but also for his mentorship, sense of humour, and the lasting impact he made on the institution and its community at large.

BOLGATANGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY RECORDS 20 PERCENT INCREMENT IN ENROLMENT

Obed Mba — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:07:49 +0000

By Samuel Akapule/ Obed D. Mba

The Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in the Upper East Region has admitted 1,778 fresh students for the 2024/2025 academic year to pursue various programmes.

The figure represents a 20 percent increment in the number of students admitted for the 2023/2024 academic year, rising from 1,486 admitted in the previous academic year.

Speaking at the 23rd Matriculation ceremony of the University, Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice Chancellor of the University, said out the total number of students admitted, 1,500 students had reported.

The Vice Chancellor noted that BTU was committed to transforming dreams of students into realities and reiterated its commitment to partnering relevant stakeholders to offer students the experience that will help them to fit well into the society.

“This is a place where dreams are nurtured, talents are honed, and futures are built upon a solid academic and disciplinary values”, Professor Alnaa assured the fresh students.

“Your success at BTU will depend on your commitment, discipline, and, most importantly, your determination. Note, success is not a destination nor a coincidence but a journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way”.

Professor Alnaa noted that the University would be marking its silver jubilee (25th Anniversary) this year and there would be series of activities commencing March 12, 2025, to enhance academic participation and activities and urged the students to take advantage of the celebration to build their capacity.

“On the Path to Academic Success as you embark on this journey, it is important to recognise that academic success requires a strategic approach and a determined mindset. Beyond attending lectures and completing assignments, I urge you to develop good study habits.

“Time management is key, prioritise your academic responsibilities, set clear goals, and make effective use of the resources available to you”, he said.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the university was stocked with “a wealth of knowledge, from our experienced faculty, the library, online resources, our state-of-the art workshops and laboratories and other academic support services”, and urged the students to take advantage of them.

The Vice Chancellor urged the students to avoid bad attitudes to their studies and work hard to attain genuine academic laurels to ensure that investment made by their parents yielded the needed results.

Professor Alnaa revealed that the University was currently running an initiative dubbed “Ghana Jobs & Skills Apprenticeship Project”, funded by the World Bank to provide entrepreneurship training and urged the students to advantage of the project to develop themselves.

“This is a commendable notion that aims to make you self-sufficient and financially independent through job creation. BTU is ready to collaborate with you and provide whatever assistance required to achieve the project’s vision and objectives.

“Your skill or entrepreneurial knowledge acquisition should not end with this programme; we encourage you to continue your association with the institution by enrolling in one of our main stream programmes”, he said.

BTU Wins $25,000 CAD Grant to Undertake Waste Segregation Project on Campus

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 14:26:23 +0000

Through BTU’s collaboration with Youth Challenge International (YCI), the University has been awarded a grant of $25,000 CAD (in total) to undertake a Climate Action project from December 2022 – March 2023 through the Partner Innovation Fund (PIF).

The goal of the PIF is to provide partners with timely, accessible resources to further the capacity of HerStart partners in various thematic areas and to support women entrepreneurs sustainably beyond the HerStart project cycle. Funds would be used for the following purposes:

Running an innovative pilot program to inform future programs
Conducting research to inform future programs
Adding a new, thematic-focused activity to improve an existing project
Technical assistance to develop a specific tool related to climate action
Training for staff members related to climate action

Each project year will have a particular thematic focus, which is intended to drive the design and delivery of the PIF idea.

This year, BTU has successfully secured funding from this annual program to undertake Waste Segregation on campus, building staff and students’ capacity on Climate Action related issues and organize excursions to waste recycling projects/entrepreneurs.

Project Team:

Prof. Daniel Azerikatoa Ayoung – Project Lead
Dr. Christopher Boatbil
Mr. Emmanuel Azure
Mr. Alexis Ayamdoo
Miss Millicent Puruseh
Mr. Wasiu Amadu Adekunle
Mrs. Joana Timbil

Disclaimer

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 18:46:41 +0000

Our attention has been drawn to a fraudulent facebook account which has Bolgatanga Technical University as its inscription and the logo of Bolgatanga Technical University. The said fraudulent account purports to be renewing or changing results of WASSCE, BECE AND NABPTEX candidates. We wish to inform the general public that the said account is fraudulent and should be ignored. While we disassociate ourselves from it, we call on the general public to assist us apprehend the fraudsters. You can reach us through the following telephone numbers: 0594680706/0209892316

The general public can deal with Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) through the following account:https://www.facebook.com/100063672166019/posts/53917661406/?flite=scwspnss

Below are snapshots of the fraudulent accounts.

91 Young Women Graduate from Camfed/BTU TVET Training

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 10:09:18 +0000

Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in collaboration with CAMFED, on Friday, 18th November, 2022, graduated 91 females under the Young Africa Works Program. It was the third cohort of the BTU – CAMFED collaboration to train young women with entrepreneurial skills in men dominated fields. The 91 young women received intensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Agro-Chemicals, Bricklaying and Tiling, Computer Hardware and Networking, Electricals, Graphic Design, Photography, Welding and Fabrication.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Pro Vice Chancellor. Prof. Peter Osei Boamah noted that BTU’s collaboration with CAMFED has been experiential and productive as most of the females initially came to the University unable to hold a spanner but can now fix problems in their chosen fields. He expressed appreciation to CAMFED for the collaboration and helping to find jobs for the teeming young women of the region. He urged the ladies to take advantage of the training offered them and to continue to upgrade themselves by applying to study with Bolgatanga Technical University in their chosen fields in order to further develop themselves and their communities.

The Program Manager of CAMFED, Mr. Christian Zico, in a speech, told the gathering that the CAMFED – BTU Collaboration is in line with promoting increased participation of females in the TVET sector and fulfilling national and international education goals particularly Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. He urged the ladies to apply the knowledge and skills learnt to prosper themselves and their communities.

The Coordinator of the Technology Transfer and Marketing Centre of BTU, Dr. Callistus Tengan advised the ladies to take serious their chosen fields and not to relent in achieving their aspirations. He joined the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Osei Boamah in urging the ladies to consider upgrading themselves by studying with BTU. He told the ladies to put to efficient use when they eventually receive their start-up kits in order to enable them set up their trades/businesses and to sustain them.

The ladies, in a brief song, expressed appreciation to CAMFED and BTU for the sponsorship and training respectively.

In attendance to the ceremony were some key Management Staff of the University and CAMFED, facilitators, media persons and the graduands.

Youth Challenge International

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 14:31:10 +0000

The Youth Challenge International (YCI) and Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) have trained 26 females on social entrepreneurship programs, dubbed HerStart. The training, which lasted for 8 weeks, is to enable the women find businesses and solutions to economic and environmental problems in their communities.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held on Monday, 26 September, 2022, at the Bolgatanga Technical University, Prof. Daniel A. Ayoung welcomed staff of YCI and BTU and the

graduands, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. Prof. Ayoung noted that BTU’s collaboration with YCI was one of the ways to help deal with female unemployment and the gender divide. He also encouraged the ladies to apply the knowledge, skills and expertise acquired to further develop themselves.

The Country Project Lead for YCI, Mr. Esmond Wisdom Quansah said that YCI has been in Ghana for the past 20 years and supporting young people. Its new program, HerStart, is one of the programs resulting from their experiences in Ghana. He explained that the HerStart program is an initiative to provide and build the capacity of young women in social entrepreneurship in order to sustain their livelihoods and to bridge the gender divide. He added that the HerStart initiative was being implemented in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.

According to him, Global Affairs, which is supported by the Canadian Government funded the training of the 26 young women through YCI. He added that YCI is expected to further train about 3000 young women. It also has a grant up to 5000 US Dollars for trainees with promising ideas on solving problems within their communities.

He said, “The HerStart program includes training and support for aspiring entrepreneurs and aims to engage about 10,000 young females in the 3 countries to participate in the design and development of innovative solutions to the challenges in their communities”. “It also targets key areas such as gender equality, environment and climate change, human rights and inclusion”, he added.

BTU Commissions multi-purpose workshop, holds investiture and graduates students

admin — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 16:47:51 +0000

At the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in the Upper East Region, on 2nd July, 2022, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, Upper Regional Minister, commissioned a multi-purpose engineering workshop built to enhance the study of engineering programmes. The facility is equipped with the state-of-theart machines to train students and promote the study of mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, automobile engineering, welding and fabrication and civil engineering programmes and services to the public.
It was built by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC International) and the Government of Ghana through the Sino-hydro project.
The facility is part of efforts by Government to retool and equip Technical Universities for the provision of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for the purpose of reducing youth unemployment.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, commended Government for the project and hoped that it would equip students with practical knowledge to drive the various industries and make a positive impact in society.
He said the world had evolved towards entrepreneurial training not just to reduce the menace of unemployment but to also rapidly and sustainably propel economic growth and development.
Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, Vice Chancellor, Bolgatanga Technical University, noted that the facility will provide commercial services to the public in addition to offering training to engineering students of the University.
He said, “This facility is supposed to aid in the teaching and learning of our students to enhance their skills so that they reduce the level of unemployment in this country, and to serve our communities”.

At the investiture and graduation ceremonies which were held the same day and attended by both internal and external publics of the University including the Regional Minister, dignitaries of sister Technical Universities across the country, the judiciary, and chiefs, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa was inducted as the first Vice Chancellor of the University since its conversion to a Technical University in April, 2020.
Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa joined Bolgatanga Technical University, then Bolgatanga Polytechnic, in 2007 as a Lecturer and rose through the dint of hard work to Associate Professor in Economics in 2016.
He held key positions such as Acting Dean of Students from May to September 2014, Vice Rector of Bolgatanga Polytechnic from 2013 to 2018, and Acting Rector from 2017 to 2018. He was the Rector from 2018 to 2020; leading the Institution to its current status as a Technical University in April, 2020.
Prof. Alnaa, holds Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, and Master of Science in Economics from the University of Skovde, Sweden.
He is an astute scholar with extensive background and wide experience in Economics and Finance through training and work, both in the formal and informal sectors. He has genuine interest in research with an excellent ability to work under pressure.
The Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Prof. Francis Abantanga, who swore the first Vice Chancellor into office, stressed that it was not for nothing the Governing Council of the University in collaboration with other institutions appointed Prof. Alnaa as the first Vice Chancellor of the University. His achievements are wide and cover the entire spine of the University: from chairing committees to providing strategic leadership and management of University resources including staff, finances, equipment and vehicles, drafting curricula for both HND and Bachelor of Technology programmes and providing the necessary infrastructure needed for the successful conversion of Bolgatanga Polytechnic to BolgatangaTechnical University.
Prof. Alnaa, the inducted and first Vice Chancellor thanked the Governing Council and other bodies for reposing confidence in him and pledged to deliver on his mandate to accelerate the growth of the university.
He said, “I come into the high office of the University with a strategic vision to position the University as world class Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution with innovative academic programmes and turning out graduates with 21st Century skills.”
The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, entreated all the staff of the University to give the inducted Vice Chancellor the maximum support to develop the University and also appealed to him to be open and transparent in his dealings of the University.

The 10th Congregation witnessed the conferment of diplomas, higher national diplomas and bachelor of technology degrees on four hundred and forty-three students from various fields of study.
Speaking at the Congregation grounds, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, noted, “The University, in keeping with its vision of becoming a world class technical university, is bedeviled with limited lecture halls.”

He added, “Contractors have abandoned some projects in the University because GETFund has not been able to pay them”. He used the occasion to advise the graduands to stay away from corrupt practices but strive for excellence.
The Upper East Regional Minister and the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Stepehn Yakubu, implored the graduands to use the knowledge acquired to become successful entrepreneurs for the development of the country. He assured the University of Government’s commitment in making the stay of students on campus less stressful.

He said, “I implore you all to emulate the fine examples of many successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs like Jospong Siaw Agyepong of Zoomlion, Theresa Oppong of Manet, and many others; some of whom were not as privileged as you, but built highly successful businesses from almost nothing,”
Students who distinguished themselves in various disciplines were awarded. Miss Eva Buntugu won the overall best student award of the graduating class including the best female student award, the best student award in the School of Business & Management Studies and the best student in the Department of Procurement and Logistics Management.