By Adesina Wahab

The Vice Chancellor, Ghana Communication Technology University, GCTU, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has said the management of the university is committed to the expansion of its infrastructure so as to match its rising growth.

Speaking during the 34th Matriculation Ceremony of the university, Afoakwa reaffirmed GCTU’s commitment to infrastructural expansion as a key component of its long-term vision.

“In line with our strategic focus for 2025 —enhancing the GCTU student experience and retention — we are aiming for a 90% graduation rate and creating a conducive learning environment for our students to excel and continue upgrading themselves with us,” Prof. Afoakwa noted.

He added that GCTU has taken significant strides in infrastructure development, addressing challenges related to inadequate facilities such as lecture halls, laboratories, offices, and hostel accommodations.

“I am happy to announce that a number of construction projects initiated since 2022 have been completed, while others are ongoing at our main Tesano and Abeka campuses. This forms a continuous part of the Vice-Chancellor’s Las Vegas–Silicon Valley Agenda,” he revealed.

The key infrastructure projects either completed or ongoing include: the construction of Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, the renovation of ultra-modern Main Campus Library, eight-storey Lecture Hall and Offices Complex, the construction of a seven-storey extension for the School of Graduate Studies and Research, first eight- storey hostel accommodation for 1,200 students ( under the Build, Operate, Transfer and Payback System), new Student Study Bay, renovation of Abeka Campus Library, strengthening Industry Partnerships: To further enhance student experience and bridge the gap between academia and industry etc.

“This office plays a critical role in linking students with industrial attachment opportunities before the completion of their programmes. Over the years, we have built and maintained strong relationships with industry partners, ensuring that our students not only learn theory but also gain practical, real-world experience,” Prof. Afoakwa explained.

He encouraged students to visit the Industrial Liaison Office to explore placement opportunities, stating that GCTU has signed multiple MOUs with institutions in Ghana and abroad, opening up global learning opportunities.

He noted that GCTU has adopted a blended learning model, which integrates online and in-person lectures to enhance flexibility and accessibility for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

“This approach allows students to experience both virtual (online via Zoom) and face-to-face learning, ensuring that they can engage with faculty and peers while also benefiting from digital educational resources,” he added.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Afoakwa commended the students for making it to GCTU and urged them to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead.

“Having made it this far into this university, I congratulate you. Keep hope alive and never forget that this is a stepping stone to discovering your purpose in life,” he stated.

He reminded students that they were now part of a dynamic and innovative academic community, where they would be challenged, inspired, and equipped with the resources needed to thrive.

“As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.’ This is an invitation to expand your thinking, challenge conventions, and embrace the unknown,” he emphasized.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“The knowledge and skills you gain here at GCTU will empower you to make a difference not just in your own life, but in the lives of those around you—and in the world at large. The future is in your hands, and this University will provide the foundation for you to turn your dreams into reality.”

With its commitment to infrastructural growth, academic excellence, and student-centered learning, GCTU continues to position itself as a leader in ICT and technology-based education, ensuring that it remains the first choice in West Africa for the fifth Industrial Revolution.