Annual International Applied Research Conference ends
The sixth Annual International Applied Research Conference of the Koforidua Polytechnic ended in Koforidua on Thursday.
About 100 participants from academia and industry are attending the conference aimed to stimulating interest in research and publication in the tertiary institutions and industry.
The two-day conference was under the theme: “Building a Responsive Tertiary Education Sector: Effective Collaboration with Industry for National Development”.
It is expected that research findings of participants presented would enhance teaching and learning in tertiary institutions.
Professor Reynolds Okai, Rector, Koforidua Polytechnic, said one of his priorities on assuming office in 2010, was to strengthen the research capabilities of the staff of the polytechnic with the support of the Polytechnic’s Governing Body and Management team.
He said the Polytechnic provides the financial resources annually to the tune of GH¢ 80,000.00 to support research in the institution adding “part of our research efforts has been in close collaboration with other research institutions”.
Professor Okai said their collaborative research links with academia institutions and industry are yielding positive results.
He said the aim of fostering strong and productive partnership with industry was to generate value for both the polytechnic and its partners.
“For instance, through the Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Energy Foundation, the Koforidua Polytechnic has access to industry-focused research and technological development”.
Professor Okai said the McGill University, Canada and the Council for Technical and Vocational Training (COTVET) are also in the forefront of providing state-of-the-art equipment to support the polytechnic’s research activities and access to demonstration and training facilities.
He stressed the need for them to develop far better links with industry and significantly improve career guidance and work placements, in order to equip students with the skills and aptitudes they require to prosper in their careers.
This, he noted, would enable them to contribute effectively to workplace performance, improve management capacity, particularly for effective staff development, within the context of clear accountability to government and society.
Source: GNA