The President of Academic City University, Accra, Ghana, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, has said the institution is expanding its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-focused education as part of efforts to produce graduates equipped to meet the demands of the global economy.

McBagonluri said the university’s educational model is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry by equipping students with practical skills, critical thinking abilities and leadership qualities that enable them to solve real-world problems.

According to him, universities across Africa must move beyond the traditional role of awarding degrees and instead focus on developing graduates capable of creating jobs, driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to national development.

“At Academic City, we believe education must go beyond knowledge acquisition. We are committed to developing innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who can create value and solve complex problems in their communities and across the world,” he said.

He explained that Academic City has continued to strengthen experiential learning by integrating research, product development, entrepreneurship and project-based learning into its academic programmes.

McBagonluri said the approach allows students to apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges while gaining hands-on experience before graduation.

The university president noted that Academic City has grown into one of Ghana’s most diverse higher institutions, with students from more than 20 countries studying across its various academic programmes.

He added that Nigerian students currently make up the largest international student population outside Ghana, reflecting the institution’s increasing appeal across West Africa.

According to him, the university’s international faculty and multicultural learning environment expose students to diverse perspectives and prepare them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

McBagonluri said the university’s graduates have continued to distinguish themselves across different sectors, with many securing employment in leading multinational organisations and technology companies.

He listed Apple UK, Goldman Sachs UK, Microsoft, Amazon, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Tullow Oil and several engineering and technology firms among organisations employing Academic City graduates.

He added that other alumni had proceeded to prestigious universities around the world for postgraduate studies, while many had established successful businesses of their own.

The university president attributed the success of the graduates to Academic City’s emphasis on practical learning and industry relevance.

He said the institution offers undergraduate programmes in engineering, computing, business, communication and design, with strong emphasis on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, product design and systems thinking.

According to him, the university has also expanded its postgraduate programmes to provide professionals with advanced education in technology, innovation, leadership and business.

McBagonluri said innovation remains central to the university’s philosophy, noting that its Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre provides students with opportunities to transform ideas into viable products and businesses through mentorship, industry collaboration and access to modern innovation facilities.

He added that students also benefit from one of Ghana’s most advanced STEM and maker spaces, where they gain practical experience using industry-standard equipment and emerging technologies.

The university, he said, has strengthened partnerships with multinational corporations and industry leaders to provide internship placements, mentorship opportunities and collaborative projects that expose students to real workplace environments before graduation.

He explained that such partnerships help ensure the university’s programmes remain aligned with evolving labour market demands while enhancing graduates’ employability.

McBagonluri expressed confidence that universities have a critical role to play in supporting Africa’s industrialisation, digital transformation and sustainable development.

He said Academic City would continue to pursue its mission of producing ethical leaders and future-ready innovators capable of creating solutions, generating employment and contributing to the continent’s long-term development.

“As Africa continues to evolve, universities must prepare graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating opportunities for others. That remains our commitment at Academic City,” he said.