The University, has plans to introduce various degree programmes including Petroleum Engineering, Welding Technology, Gas and Plumbing Technology, as part of its efforts of become a university of choice in petroleum courses.

The Petroleum Commission has already secured scholarships for two members of staff currently in Canada under training in stainless steel welding at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton.

Professor John Frank Eshun revealed this during the fourth congregation of the University in Takoradi.

In the 2018/2019 Academic Year, the University successfully turned out 2,414 graduates: 348 were awarded Bachelor of Technology Degrees; 1,784 awarded Higher National Diplomas; 76 graduates conferred with CILT Certificates; and 42 graduates received Non-tertiary Diplomas.

A total of 184 graduates also received HND Competency Based Training (CBT) in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Interior Design Technology certificates from the National Board for Professional and Technician Examination (NABPTEX).

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Education, whose speech was read on his behalf, urged the graduates to act differently when they enter the job market.

He urged the leadership of the Unions to be considerate with the government and work hand in hand with all stakeholders for the development of the human resource for the country.

Dr Opoku-Prempeh urged the University to use STEM education to address societal challenges as envisaged by the Sustainable Development Goals.

The TTU, Professor Eshun said, is poised to spearhead other related programmes to improve upon the human resource in the oil and gas industry in anticipation of the achievement of the 90 percent local content agenda.

He said the University, through its Electricals and Electronics Department of Faculty of Engineering, would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council to develop, install and maintain traffic lights services within the Metropolis.

Professor Eshun said the school, through its Centre for Research, Innovation & Development and Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship, has offered training to some small-scale enterprises and artisans within the metropolis.

The University has also entered into various academic partnerships with institutions both local and foreign to help strengthen the TTU's capacity in terms of exchange programmes, research, and information sharing, he said.

The VC said the latest MoU was with AmilaTech (GIZ) to provide IT focused training and employment pathway for disadvantaged youth in Africa.

It is envisaged that the completion of the 5-storey reconstruction of the "Oduro block" consisting of 40 classrooms and 100 offices will provide additional lecture halls and office spaces for our students and staff, Professor Eshun said.

"Am also pleased to inform you that the University has entered into two Public Private Partnership Agreement on Build Own, Operate and Transfer Projects with Construct PRO Innovation Ltd (CPI) to put up 3,250 bed student hostel.

HANISA Company is also putting up 3,080 bed students hostel at our new Akatakyi Campus and these projects are expected to meet the deficit in student accommodation."

"I would like to express our gratitude to the Administrator of GetFund and the Minister for Education as well as other partners who have made contributions towards these projects".

To the Graduates, Professor Eshun said: "let your university motto which says 'Adwen, Nsa na Akoma ma mmpuntu' be your guide as you journey through this new life which you are about to begin".