The Deputy Minister of Educa­tion, Rev John Ntim Fordjour has urged graduates to foster collab­orations to contribute their quota to national development.

According to him, the challenges in the economy would require partner­ships that would ensure that gradu­ates with different skills come togeth­er to provide requisite solutions.

The Deputy Minister said this at the 23rd graduation ceremony of the Accra Technical University (ATU) for Bachelor of Technology (BTECH), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Diploma students.

He also urged the ATU to continue to reposition itself to produce grad­uates that have the skillset to make the difference and thrive in industry.

“Students must be empowered to transform the fortunes of their fami­lies while government is committed to supporting the university in its quest to utilise technical and vocational skills to transform the economy,” he added.

The Guest Speaker, Dr Eugene Asia­mah-Boadi Esq. also tasked the grad­uates to have a clear vision backed by action to change the world.

“Be brave enough to attain your goals and aspirations, work together and form teams to succeed as a unit,” he stressed.

“Aim to be employers rather than employees and do not be afraid of big ideas. Be agents of hope and positive change and eschew all forms of lazi­ness, mediocrity and dishonesty,” he added.

Employers, he said, were losing faith in running businesses be­cause of the dishon­esty of employees, hence the need to hold in high esteem, integrity in all things.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Amevi Acakpovi con­gratulated the graduates for their efforts and urged them to be proud ambassadors of the university.

In all, over 5,800 students graduat­ed and awarded with certificates in a well-attended graduation ceremony.

By Michael D. Abayateye