GLIDA launches in Accra to bridge academic and workplace skills gap

Samuel Nartey George advocates mandatory coding for university graduation

Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has advocated for the "One Million Coders" programme to become a mandatory requirement for university graduation in Ghana. Speaking during a working visit to the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, the Minister emphasized that practical digital skills are no longer optional but essential for professionals to remain competitive in the modern global job market. He argued that integrating these skills into the academic curriculum is vital for ensuring graduates are prepared for the demands of the digital economy. Mr. George noted that the initiative is designed to provide industry-focused training that complements traditional academic education across all sectors. He emphasized that even professionals in specialized fields, such as healthcare, must possess a foundational understanding of technology to be effective in their roles. The Minister specifically commended UHAS for its proactive approach in beginning to integrate modules from the One Million Coders initiative into its current curriculum, urging other tertiary institutions to adopt similar measures to enhance student employability. In response to the proposal, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, expressed the university's commitment to advancing digital literacy and exploring emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) within healthcare training. However, she highlighted the significant infrastructure challenges facing the institution. Professor Aziato appealed for a greater allocation of digital resources, specifically requesting additional laptops and improved internet connectivity to adequately support the university's student body of approximately 11,000. This push for mandatory digital certification represents a strategic effort to bridge the gap between formal education and the technical requirements of the modern workplace. By embedding practical coding and technology training into the university experience, the Ministry aims to create a workforce capable of navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The success of this proposed mandate will likely depend on the government's ability to address the resource gaps identified by academic leaders to ensure equitable access to technology across all campuses.