The University of Ghana has officially launched its Internship Policy, Strategy and Implementation Framework as a step towards addressing employment issues after graduation.
The launching event took place on October 24, 2023 at the University of Ghana’s Great Hall.
The framework is aimed at reducing the disparity between skills and labour demands, thereby boosting confidence and promoting employability among University of Ghana graduates.
Guest speaker of the event, Ag. Head, Civil Service Ghana, Dr. Evans Aggrey- Darkoh hinted that the effective roll out of this policy would in a long run contribute in restructuring the curriculum to be more skills-oriented giving graduates hands-on experience in the job market.
“It will lead to curricular improvement and invigorate the curricular to suit the standards of the job market,” he shared.
Chairperson of the University Council, Justice Sophia A.B Akuffo, who was also chairperson of the event described the policy as one which aims at providing a structured and formal guide for internship programmes in the university that would effectively assist students and graduates to realise and fulfil their potential.
“The willingness of the university council to approve a structured and functional internship policy will serve as a robust avenue to equip students to excel in their various fields of endeavour after school.”
She noted that the policy would enhance the employability skills of students and also boost their confidence before entering the competitive job market.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo also described the policy framework as a significant step in enhancing a holistic student experience.
She further higlighted lack of documentation systems as a challenge faced by the university to keep track of the progress of students who avail themselves for internships.
“There is absence of comprehensive records, documenting the extent of internship programs, this has made it challenging to document the value of internship programs.”
She further encouraged students to take full advantage of this initiative and champion the cause.
“Leverage the resources and innovative systems put in place…take advantage of them to become critical thinkers sensitive to the rapid changes in society.”
Also, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Policy, who is also Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Justice Bawole elaborated on the structure, the processes and goals binding the framework.
“This will be a structured work-based learning experience which will improve employability skills of students also boost their confidence,” he revealed.
The event was well attended by senior members of the university council, heads of colleges, schools and departments, stakeholders, representatives from various companies and students.
–
Story by: Fafa Melody Kportufe | univers.ug.edu.gh
