- Address: Off Sunyani-Fiapre Road, Ghana
EORIC WITH GH¢2MILLION FUND FROM GSDF LAUNCHES SATCOM CERTIFICATION CURRICULUM TO TRAIN ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS - EORIC
In meeting the ever-growing demand for advanced knowledge in satellite communication worldwide, the Earth Observation, Research Innovation Centre (EORIC) of UENR with funding from the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) through the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) has launched GH¢2million Professional Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Certification Course in Ghana.
First of its kind in the Country, the Project launched on April 12, 2024 will develop and implement a curriculum in SATCOM to train Engineers, Technicians, and Entrepreneurs in the Satellite Communication and Telecommunications Sector.
Additionally, beneficiaries will receive a certificate course which will provide theoretical and practical VSAT training sessions, targeting a wide range of trainees’ levels and backgrounds across the country.
Giving an overview, the Project Lead, Mr. Evans Yaw Akpene Adom explained that the Project would involve the development of a global standard training curriculum, establishing a training hub, and training about 20 selected staff. According to him, the course design will be based on the Global VSAT Forum (GVF), a global standard for satellite communications skills, covering operations, installation, and maintenance of VSAT, mobile/SNG satellite terminals, and SATCOM theory. He appreciated the efforts of the project team whose contributions have made the project a reality.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako who chaired the event recognized that the Curriculum is a beacon of innovation in Ghana that has meticulously been tailored towards the growing demand for Satellite Communication globally. The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the initiative aligns with the University’s mission to develop cutting-edge programmes to meet global demand in the areas of sciences, engineering, and energy among others.
He lauded the EORIC team under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Kwasi Nyantakyi for their dedication to improving the space industry. He further tasked them to ensure that the certificate course advances to an undergraduate and postgraduate programme in the University. He was equally proud that through the project, employment opportunities would be available for beneficiaries.
A copy of the Curriculum was unveiled by the University Council, Prof. Kwasi Nsiah-Gyabaah. In his remarks, he lauded EORIC for the opportunity and charged other Faculty Members of the University to emulate similar innovations in securing grants for the University. This, he said would upgrade the university’s ranking status amidst the era where polytechnics are being upgraded to the status of fully-fledged universities.
The Keynote Speaker and CEO of OASIS Network Ltd., Mr. Nimrod Kapon in his speech highlighted the importance of professional hands-on skills training and qualification from the industry point of view. He noted that communication is becoming expediently the basic need at the personal, corporate and national levels, which places clients to require professional support in resolving SATCOM challenges faced. He was pleased to note that the Project would train the next generation of professionals in the SATCOM industry.
The Project Regulator is the National Communications Authority represented by the Zonal Manager for Bono Region, Mr. Norbert Kwankye. In his solidarity message at the project launch, he lauded the Project team and noted that the curriculum developed meets and exceeds the global demand for SATCOM. He expressed believe that the new generation of trainees will emerge to tackle issues confronting the SATCOM industry.
Adding his voice on behalf of the Project Grantor, the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Mr. Jonathan Afetogbor underscored the importance of the Curriculum in competency-based training for skilled employment in the Country. He was pleased to note that the project hinges on the Commission’s interest and pledged his office’s support to the project’s implementation and success.
The project partners include the OASIS Network, Education and Finance Ministries, and Bono and Ahafo Satellite Installers Association. They were fully represented in authenticating their support for the project.
Participants included staff of UENR, tutors and students from Twene Amanfo Senior High and Technical School, Sunyani Methodist Technical Institute, Social Welfare Technical Institute, Sunyani Technical Institute and Don Bosco Technical Institute at Odumase.