GCTU signs Memorandum of Understanding for Microsoft IT certification programs

In a significant move to enhance digital skills and improve employability for students and professionals in Ghana, the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) has entered into a strategic partnership with Microsoft Skills for Jobs and 0800Africa. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is set to bring the Microsoft Skills for Jobs Microdegree Programme to Ghana. The programme, which is funded by the European Union, is designed to provide training, certification, and job placement in high-demand sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and coding, among others.

The official signing ceremony took place at GCTU on Thursday, November 7, 2024, and marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration aimed at addressing the growing demand for digital skills in the modern job market. The agreement is a part of GCTU’s continued efforts to position itself as a leading institution in IT education in Ghana, helping to create a workforce that is better equipped for the evolving digital economy.

The partnership with Microsoft Skills for Jobs and 0800Africa will enable students to gain access to global-standard training and certification in some of the most sought-after fields in the technology industry. These areas are critical not only for individual career growth but also for the overall development of the tech ecosystem in Ghana. With the growing need for professionals in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, coding, and related fields, this initiative will play a vital role in filling the skills gap in Ghana’s workforce and improving the employability of graduates.

In his remarks during the signing ceremony, Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, the Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, underscored the importance of the partnership for the future of technology education in Ghana. He noted that the agreement would be mutually beneficial for both students and faculty, as it would open up new opportunities for collaboration, international partnerships, and research in the field of information technology. “This partnership is a great step forward in our mission to advance technology education in Ghana. We anticipate that it will also lead to further opportunities for collaboration with our international partners, including student exchange programmes and joint research in information technology,” he said.

Professor Afoakwa also highlighted the growing reputation of GCTU as a top institution for IT education in Ghana, noting that the university has become the preferred choice for students pursuing careers in technology. He further pointed out that GCTU’s strength in IT education is evident in its ability to attract faculty from other prestigious institutions, including the University of Ghana and KNUST. These experts have joined GCTU’s PhD programmes in computer science and IT, further solidifying the university’s position as a leader in the field.

Mr. Sayed Jawed, the CEO of the Microsoft Skills for Jobs Microdegree Programme, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the opportunities it would bring. He shared plans to expand the collaboration by bringing a delegation from KAMK University in Finland and Microsoft to GCTU in early 2025. This delegation will explore affiliation agreements and discuss the possibility of student exchange programmes between Ghana and Finland. “We are excited to be working with GCTU to bring this transformative programme to Ghana. We believe that by collaborating with local institutions, we can create meaningful pathways for students to gain international experience, and also provide an opportunity for GCTU to host Finnish students, fostering cross-cultural learning,” Mr. Jawed said.

A key feature of the programme is its collaboration with local banks to provide micro-loans, which will allow students to pay for their training fees in monthly installments, making the programme more accessible to a wider range of students. This financial support will be especially beneficial for those who may not have the immediate resources to pay the full fee upfront. By making this programme more affordable, it ensures that more Ghanaian students and professionals can take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

The Microsoft Skills for Jobs Microdegree Programme aims to certify 286,000 students globally by 2026, with a target of 60,000 certifications coming from Ghana. The programme is designed to help students, recent graduates, freelancers, and IT professionals gain the necessary skills to compete for global job opportunities. By completing the programme, participants will be better prepared for the workforce, with certifications that will be recognized by employers worldwide.

Maame Afua Essel, the CEO of 0800Africa, emphasized the programme’s impact on improving students’ career prospects. She noted that GCTU graduate students would be required to complete the Microdegree programme as an additional qualification, which would further enhance the value of their degrees. “The signing of this MoU comes at a critical time when IT skills are more important than ever for employability and economic growth,” she said. “Through this collaboration, Ghanaian students and professionals will acquire in-demand skills and have their information shared with over 32,000 IT companies across Europe, opening the door to international job placements.”

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from all the partner organizations, including GCTU’s Registrar Emmanuel Baidoo, the Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Systems, Dr. William Lesley Brown-Acquaye, and Dr. Samuel Akwasi Danso, a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering. Representing the partners were Mr. Jawed, CEO of the Microsoft Skills for Jobs Microdegree Programme, Ms. Essel, CEO of 0800Africa, and Ben Atitsogbui, the Solution Consultant from Raycom Technologies.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of digital skills and IT education in Ghana, and is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s workforce and economy by preparing students and professionals for the challenges and opportunities of the global digital landscape.