Speakers at a lecture in Accra last Friday urged students of the Accra Technical University (ATU) to develop their innovative skills and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the challenges encountered across the African continent.
The speakers were the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kantanka Group of Companies, Nana Kwadwo Safo Kantanka and the head of Youth and Inclusive Banking at Access Bank, Ghana, Mr Jeffrey Agyepong.
The lecture held on Thursday was the first of a series of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) lectures organised by ATU, and formed part of activities lined up to mark its 75th anniversary celebrations.
According to Dr Agyepong whose presentation was done on his behalf by the Chief Investment Officer, Mr Noah Gyimah, innovation played a crucial role in addressing the socio-economic challenges of Africa, such as healthcare, poverty, education, infrastructural development, and technological challenges.
Dr Agyepong explained that there was a need for the students to prioritise the application of the skills and knowledge acquired in school to advance societal development.
He entreated the students to become innovative-minded individuals as it would open opportunities for them beyond their academics.
For his part, head of Youth and Inclusive Banking at Access Bank, Ghana, Mr Jeffrey Agyepong, indicated that being an innovative individual required the identification of challenges and solving them.
He also encouraged the students not to be demoralised by negative comments made by friends or other individuals in society.
The Deputy General Secretary of Operations of the Kantanka Group of Companies on behalf of the CEO underscored the need for academia to collaborate, and work with industry players in finding cutting-edge solutions to the challenges faced by Africans.
He also entreated lecturers and researchers to take advantage of AI to disseminate information to the public.
In his welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of ATU, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, noted that the lecture was an opportunity for the university to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The head of the organising committee of the lecture, Professor Alice Mensah, advised the students to engage and learn from individuals who had excelled in the industry.
BY PRECIOUS NYARKO BOAKYE
