Kumasi, Nov.7, GNA - The Executive Secretary of the National Council for Tertiary Education, Mr Paul Effah has assured the country's tertiary institutions that government will deliver on its mandate of producing skilled manpower for the nation's growth.

He said government recognized their critical role in national development and would resource tertiary institutions to produce graduates with requisite competencies and skills to hasten the nation's development. Mr Effah was addressing the 14th congregation of the College of Technology Education of the University of Education Winneba, in Kumasi on Saturday. A total of 3,000 graduates were presented with degrees, diplomas and certificates after successfully completing academic programmes in Business Education, Technology Education, Educational Development and Extension. Mr Effah said research was important for tertiary education and they would be assisted in their research activities to enable them to become more relevant to society.

He commended the University for introducing distance education programmes, which was helping more teachers to receive higher education without necessarily having to leave the classroom and urged the graduates to place their knowledge at the disposal of the nation.

Professor Akwasi Asabere Ameyaw, Vice Chancellor of the University, said as part of its social responsibility, the university has planned to set up a practice school, modelled for research and practice, to provide quality basic education for children in the communities around the university. He said the institution continued to enjoy expansion of its physical infrastructure, something that would help to increase enrolment in future. Professor Ameyaw said the College needed an administration block, befitting the status of a college that has the potential of growing and developing into a well recognized tertiary institution.

He also appealed to the government, civil society and public spirited individuals to assist the college with funds for the purchase of modern equipment to replace obsolete ones in its laboratories to enhance academic work.

Nana Okofo Amoako Bondam III, Chairman of the University Council, asked the graduates to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. He asked them to be ready to face the challenges of the world.