A delegation from the College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), led by the Provost, Professor Kwabena Biritwum, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr Osman Ayariga. 

The visit, according to a post on the NYA’s official social media pages, forms part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between academia and public institutions to expand youth skills training, particularly in engineering and technology, as a means of stimulating economic growth.

Discussions during the meeting focused on developing strategic programmes that would enable young people to acquire hands-on technical and engineering skills relevant to the changing job market. 

Professor Biritwum, who led the KNUST delegation, emphasised that empowering young engineers through practical training and innovation is essential for sustainable national development. 

“We are eager to explore avenues through which engineering and technology-based skills training can drive innovation, employment and economic transformation,” he said.

Mr Ayariga, in his remarks, commended KNUST for its forward-thinking approach and reaffirmed the NYA’s commitment to supporting youth-centred skills development initiatives. 

“The NYA remains dedicated to empowering Ghanaian youth with practical skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the modern economy. 

A partnership like this will help us transform academic knowledge into real-world impact,” he noted.

Both institutions agreed to develop a framework for collaborative programmes, including technical skills training, mentorship, entrepreneurship incubation, and research in emerging technologies. 

The partnership, they believe, will not only enhance youth employability and innovation but also contribute significantly to Ghana’s broader agenda of industrialisation and economic empowerment.