This year, 2025, marks the 25th anniversary of Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU). The theme for the celebration is “25 Years of Sustainable TVET Development: Journeying to Technological Advancement”. Located in the Upper East Region of Ghana, BTU has been a catalyst for change, progress, and technological innovation, meeting the region’s demand for skilled labour while contributing to national development.

From its humble beginnings as Bolgatanga Polytechnic in 1999 to its current status as a technical university, BTU’s evolution reflects the growing importance of technical and vocational education and the role of universities in fostering innovation and sustainable development. The 25th celebration of the BTU is not just about numbers, but about a legacy of excellence in education, research, and community empowerment. It is also important to stress that as BTU reflects on its past achievements, it must also be looking forward to continuing its legacy and shaping the future of education in Ghana and beyond.

The creation of the school came at a critical time when there was a need to meet the increasing demand for technically skilled labour in the region and Ghana as a whole. The region, historically less developed compared to other parts of the country, required institutions that could provide the local population with skills that would directly contribute to economic development. In that regard, Bolgatanga Polytechnic aimed to fill this gap, offering practical, applied courses in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Business among others. The Polytechnic was first headed by Robert Ajene, the first Rector of the School.

Transformative Moments

While the University’s vision is to become the preferred technical university with innovative academic programmes producing graduates equipped with new technological skills for sustainable development, ‘its mission is to provide career-focused education, applying state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops for teaching, practical training, applied research, sustainable agricultural and entrepreneurship development in a conducive environment.

The most transformative moment in BTU's history came in in April, 2020, when the institution officially transitioned from a polytechnic to a full-fledged technical university under the Technical Universities amendment Act 2020 (Act 1016). This shift marked a significant leap in the institution’s ability to offer advanced academic programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels, improving the quality of education offered.

The conversion to a technical university also gave BTU greater autonomy in its academic programmes, helping it align even more closely with global trends in technical education.

It is very significant to stress that over the years, BTU under the leadership of management and the University’s Council, had worked tirelessly to improve its curriculum, facilities, and faculty, ensuring that students not only received theoretical knowledge but also exposed to the practical application of their skills.

This hands-on approach has equipped graduates with the necessary expertise who are thriving well in both the public and private sectors. The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak and the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri did not miss words when they both confirmed this at durbar held at the main campus, Sumbrungu, to commemorate the occasion on Friday.

This transformation was made possible through the visionary leadership of Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, the Vice Chancellor of Bolgatanga Technical University. His leadership has been an integral part of the institution’s growth, guiding it through monumental changes. Professor Alnaa’s strategic vision emphasized modernization, infrastructure development, and the expansion of academic offerings to align with national and global trends in technical education.

This has led to growth in terms of infrastructure, staff numbers and qualification, academic programmes as well as increase in enrolment. BTU’s modern campus facilities have also grown in line with this expansion. Currently, the University has two campuses: the Bukere and Sumbrungu Campuses.

The Bukere campus is where both tertiary and non-tertiary programmes are run including the evening school or Part-time programmes while the Sumbrungu or main campus houses the Administration of the University and all full-time academic programmes.

The University also currently runs over thirty-five (35) different tertiary programmes of MSc, BSc, BTech, HND and Dipolma curricula in five (5) Schools, i.e School of Business and Management Studies, School of Applied Science and Arts, School of Built Environment, School of Agriculture and School of Engineering. The Master of Science programmes are run by the School of Graduate Studies.

Besides the above, at the heart of BTU’s success is its focus on academic excellence and research innovation. The institution has become a hub for research, with faculty and students actively engaged in projects that address local and global challenges. This emphasis on applied research has led to numerous breakthroughs in fields such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water management areas that are vital for the development of the Upper East Region and other parts of Ghana.

Speaking in an interview with this writer, Prof Alnaa explained that what started as an institution with just a few hundred students has now grown into a vibrant educational community with thousands of students enrolled in a variety of programmes. “This growth is a testimony to the university's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education to all learners, not just in the Upper East Region but across Ghana. The university now offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in diverse fields.

These programmes are designed to meet the needs of a rapidly changing job market and ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. This 25th anniversary marks not only a period of tremendous growth but also reflects our constant drive to be at the forefront of applied education and innovation”, he stressed.

Another academic gem, Professor Peter Boamah, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, has also played a pivotal role in ensuring that BTU stays true to its mission of excellence in education. Professor Boama was central to the academic reforms that redefined the university’s curricula to meet industry needs and international standards. He was a key figure in introducing new programmes and fostering research-driven academic excellence. His commitment to inclusivity and gender equality has also helped create an environment where all students, including marginalized groups, can succeed.

In conclusion from the above analysis, it is crystal clear that the 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the institution’s journey toward academic excellence, innovation, and community empowerment. From its humble beginnings as a polytechnic to its current status as one of the leading technical universities in the country, BTU has proven to be a catalyst for the development of the Upper East Region and the nation as a whole.

As BTU continues to expand its academic offerings, strengthen its partnerships, and engage in cutting-edge research, it needs to remain dedicated to its vision to become the preferred technical university with innovative academic programmes producing graduates equipped with new technological skills for sustainable development.

As we celebrate the occasion it is also very important to acknowledge the role of other management including those at the Registers, Human Resources, Finance, Head of Departments, Librarian who complemented the efforts of the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor in navigating the affairs of the university to success.