The Chairman of the Governing Council of Sunyani Technical University (STU), Prof. Samuel Awuah-Nyamekye, has called on government, industry, alumni and other stakeholders to support the university’s vision of becoming a leading centre of excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He made the call at the official launch of the university’s 60th anniversary celebrations and the unveiling of its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan in Sunyani.
Speaking on the theme, “STU, 60 Years of Excellence: Advancing STEM and TVET for Industry Leadership and Sustainable National Development,” Prof. Awuah-Nyamekye described the occasion as a historic milestone that offered the university an opportunity to celebrate its achievements while positioning itself for future growth.
Remarkable transformation
He noted that STU had undergone remarkable transformation since its establishment as a technical institute in 1967, later becoming a polytechnic before attaining technical university status, consistently adapting to meet the changing demands of industry and society.
According to him, the university’s progress had been driven by the dedication of successive governing councils, management, staff, students and alumni, resulting in expanded academic programmes, strengthened research and innovation, improved infrastructure, and stronger collaborations with industry and international partners.
“These achievements have not come by chance. They are the result of visionary leadership, prudent governance, resilience and the unwavering commitment of everyone who has contributed to the growth of this great institution,” he stated.
Going forward
Looking ahead, Prof. Awuah-Nyamekye said rapid advances in artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing were redefining the global workplace, requiring universities to produce graduates who are innovative, entrepreneurial and globally competitive.
He assured stakeholders that the Governing Council remained committed to providing strategic leadership to strengthen teaching and learning facilities, expand research, accelerate digital transformation, deepen industry partnerships and invest in faculty development to ensure the continued relevance of the university’s graduates.
The Council Chairman described the university’s Diamond Jubilee as more than a celebration of its past achievements, saying it also presented an opportunity to reconnect with alumni, strengthen partnerships, mobilise resources and chart an ambitious vision for the next six decades.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, development partners, traditional authorities, alumni, industry collaborators and the people of the Bono Region for their unwavering support to the university over the years.
Prof. Awuah-Nyamekye also urged students to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and uphold integrity, while inviting all stakeholders to actively participate in the year-long anniversary activities, which will climax in June 2027, as the university works towards building a stronger, more innovative and globally respected institution.
Renewed commitment
For his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, described the twin events as significant milestones in the university’s history, reflecting six decades of growth and a renewed commitment to academic excellence, innovation and industrial development.
He traced the institution’s evolution from the Sunyani Technical Institute (SUTECH), established by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in 1967 to provide practical skills training for middle school graduates, to its elevation into Sunyani Polytechnic in 1997 and its eventual conversion into a technical university in 2016 under the Technical Universities Act.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the university’s transformation reflects Ghana’s growing emphasis on technical and vocational education as a catalyst for national development.
Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah paid glowing tribute to the institution’s founding fathers, particularly Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the chiefs and people of the Sunyani Traditional Area, whose land donation made the establishment of the university possible.
He also commended the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Council, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, for his continued efforts to protect the university’s lands against encroachment.
Year-long activities
The Vice-Chancellor announced that the university would commemorate its Diamond Jubilee with a series of activities running from July 2026 to June 2027. These include public lectures, innovation and technology exhibitions, industry-academia roundtable discussions, career and entrepreneurship fairs, community outreach programmes, alumni homecoming, the commissioning of STU Museum, sports competitions, fundraising activities and a grand anniversary durbar.
He explained that the celebrations, being held under the theme “STU, 60 Years of Excellence: Advancing STEM and TVET for Industry Leadership and Sustainable National Development,” would celebrate the institution’s achievements while strengthening partnerships with industry, alumni and development partners.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to staff, students, alumni, corporate organisations, philanthropists, development partners and the general public to support both the anniversary celebrations and the implementation of the strategic plan, stressing that their collective commitment would position STU to make greater contributions to Ghana’s industrial transformation and sustainable national development.
New era
The Chairman of the Sunyani Technical University (STU) 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Jones Lewis Arthur, described the university’s Diamond Jubilee celebration as the beginning of a new phase of transformation aimed at strengthening its position as Ghana’s preferred technical university.
He noted that over the past six decades, STU had evolved from a technical institute to a polytechnic and eventually a technical university, while remaining committed to career-focused education that responds to the needs of industry and national development.
According to him, the university’s growth has been anchored on six core values – excellence, competence, competitiveness, responsiveness, professionalism and integrity – which continue to shape its teaching, research, governance and service to society.
Prof. Arthur said the institution had recorded significant progress through the expansion of academic programmes, increased student enrolment, improved infrastructure and ICT systems, enhanced research and innovation, stronger industry partnerships and a growing institutional reputation.
Prof. Arthur called on stakeholders to celebrate the university’s achievements, embrace future opportunities and support the successful implementation of the strategic plan to secure a stronger future for generations to come.
Strategic Plan
Another major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the university’s third Strategic Plan (2026–2030), themed “Educating for Innovation and Sustainable Transformation.”
The plan seeks to promote excellence in teaching, research, innovation and industrialisation; expand market-driven TVET programmes; modernise infrastructure; integrate information and communication technology and artificial intelligence across university operations; strengthen quality assurance systems; improve resource mobilisation and financial management; enhance governance and staff development; strengthen the university’s brand and internationalisation; and build a vibrant alumni network.
