Academia, Industry partnerships crucial for Africa’s development – Prof. McBagonluri

President and Provost of Academic City University College, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, has advocated for a framework that encourages industries to collaborate with academia to develop the correct combination of technologies to address the African continent’s diverse socioeconomic challenges.

According to him, universities do not have adequate resources to train students in every single skill required for success in the job market, thus, industry partnerships with academic institutions are critical to developing future-ready leaders who can use technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to positively impact Africa’s development agenda.

“At Academic City, we are committed to working with industry to develop the pipeline between education and the workplace, in order to ensure that students are prepared to meet the demands of the global workforce”, he stated.

Prof. McBagonluri made this call during Academic City’s 4^th Matriculation ceremony to formally welcome newly admitted freshmen and women into the University.

A total of 192 students comprising nationals from 12 different countries have enrolled for the 2021/2022 academic year to pursue Academic City’s uniquely designed STEAM based academic disciplines.

Since inception, Academic City has proven its resolve to change the narrative for higher education in Africa and is committed to providing the best education attainable anywhere in the world. As part of the university’s effort to enhance technology and innovation education in Africa, Academic City has become the first university in Africa to introduce degree programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Engineering.

Other new programmes that have recently been introduced include the BSc in Biomedical Engineering and the B.A. in Entrepreneurship.

Prof. McBagonluri congratulated the newly admitted students on meeting the requirements to become a member of the Academic City community and encouraged them to participate fully in all campus activities so that they can develop the skills and credentials necessary to be successful after graduation.

He advised the students to develop an endurance mindset and to remain dedicated and motivated in order to achieve the academic and professional goals that they had set for themselves.

“Endurance for me is that little voice that tells you that success is closer than ever and that you must strive to cross that finished line. Great things come from endurance and to endure for success, you must be true to yourself. Your endurance ship today is Academic City”, he added.

Ms. Tiffany Akole Sowah, an Information Technology student, spoke on the matriculants’ behalf, expressing their happiness at being accepted into Academic City and assuring that they will adhere to the university’s laws and regulations.

“I hope we stick to the ACity pillars of Experiential Learning, Contextual Learning, Unified Learning, and Extensional Learning as a path to success. Remember, in case of uncertainty, always refer to our student handbook,” she added.

Prof. Anthony Simons, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology, offered his institution’s continued support to Academic City in order to provide students with the greatest academic experience possible in order to better prepare them for the job market.

He counseled the students to work hard in order to succeed in their academic endeavours.