The University of Ghana (UG) has officially opened its Innovation Enclave, a new facility aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students and translating academic research into practical ventures.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the redeveloped former RID Annex, signifies a major step towards realizing UG’s ambition of becoming a leading centre for innovation and technological progress in the country.

The project is a collaborative effort between the University of Ghana, the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), and Imperial College London.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, urged the university to reconsider traditional academic structures to better support student entrepreneurs. He highlighted the difficult choice many students face between pursuing their education and developing their businesses.

“Many students are forced to choose between education and their growing businesses,” he stated. He further noted that KIC-supported startups demonstrate the potential of student-led ventures, creating an average of eight to ten jobs each and contributing to the reduction of unemployment.

“Can the university start thinking around how we create special vehicle processes for young entrepreneurs? Let us find a way to support brilliant entrepreneurs and push them so they can really do this for Ghana. These are the guys who are going to make our universities great,” Mr Gyan-Kesse challenged.

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of UG, emphasized the importance of continued partnerships, particularly the eight-year relationship with KIC, which began in 2016. She described the collaboration as being built on a foundation of trust and a shared vision.

“We have heard your plea and the challenge you have thrown at us to be creative and accommodate such students, so they don’t drop out,” Prof. Amfo assured stakeholders.

She announced that the Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Academic and Student Affairs will explore the implementation of modular programmes designed to allow students to effectively balance their academic pursuits with entrepreneurial activities.

Prof. Amfo also expressed gratitude for the contributions of the KGL Foundation, Nubuke Foundation, and Impact Hub Accra in supporting the initiative.

The Innovation Enclave is intended to serve as a centre of excellence, driving national development through innovation and benefiting humanity. The expertise of Imperial College London in building robust innovation ecosystems has been crucial to the project’s success.

The commissioning was attended by prominent university officials, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Felix Ankomah Asante, representatives from the French Embassy, and key industry partners.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE