Technological advancement has diversified studies on craft and art especially in industrial and applied sciences. This has led to the converting of polytechnics into technical universities in Ghana following the rising demand for technical expertise in institutions of higher learning.
A technical university focuses heavily on skillset programmes like engineering, applied science or technology. If you are from a technical background or looking to get into a more practical industry after school, applying to a technical university will be a sure pathway for you.
To offer degree programmes at these universities require at least A1 – C6.
Technical education provides special practical knowledge of technologies and skills which makes the students skilled and technically fit for the industries.
This article will help you in your research to determine the best technical universities in the country currently.
- Koforidua Technical University
Koforidua Technical University which was established in the year 1997 as the Koforidua Polytechnic in the eastern region of Ghana, which was later converted to a technical university in the year 2016. It is an outstanding tertiary institution in the Eastern Region and one of the fastest-growing Technical Universities in Ghana with immense prospects.
The University, which was founded with the vision of producing high-level, career-focused and skilled manpower to support the country’s industrial growth, has since 1999 turned out graduates with Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy, Marketing, Purchasing and Supply Statistics and Computer Science.
The University currently has five faculties and one Institute namely, the Faculty of Business and Management Studies, Faculty of Applied Science, Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment, Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Open and Distance Learning (IODL).
The University offers thirteen (13) B-Tech programmes, twenty (20) HND programmes, and other Diploma and Certificate Courses in business, engineering, and science disciplines. The faculties are resourced with the requisite manpower to facilitate teaching and learning in the University.
With a vision to be a reference point for World-Class Science and Technology Education and Applied Research, the institution attracts both local and international students. The university aims to provide tertiary level technical education through the development of carrier-focused skills in collaboration with industry.
CONTACT
Koforidua Technical University
Post Office Box KF-981
Koforidua. Eastern Region
Ghana.
- Kumasi Technical University
Kumasi Technical University was established in 1954 as Kumasi Technical Institute (K.T.I.) to offer craft courses. In 1963, the Institute was converted to a non-tertiary Polytechnic status under the Ghana Education Service to start offering, in addition, technician diploma and sub- professional courses.
The Polytechnic Law, 1992 (PNDC L.321) elevated the Polytechnic to a tertiary institution to provide high calibre skilled manpower with reference to manufacturing, commerce, science and technology to act as a catalyst for technological development. As a Polytechnic it was one of the famous, elegant and vibrant Polytechnics in Ghana.
The Technical University Act 2016, (Act 922) converted Kumasi Polytechnic to the present Kumasi Technical University with the aim of providing higher education in engineering, applied arts, science technology-based disciplines, technical and vocational training.
It is a spectacularly beautiful institution, which is located at the heart of the Garden city of West Africa, the capital city of the Ashanti Region of Ghana (Kumasi). It has within the period of its existence become an important centre for the training not only for Ghana but also for other African countries.
The university’s vision is to be a world-class technical university devoted to science, technology and entrepreneurship education. It provides quality teaching, learning and research in engineering, science, technology and entrepreneurship to promote industrial development in Ghana.
CONTACT
Location: Kumasi – Ashanti Region, Ghana, W/A
Postal Address: P. O. Box 854, Kumasi Fax: +233 (0)3220-22387
Email: info@kstu.edu.gh, academicaffairs@kstu.edu.gh
Tel: Admissions: +233(0)322 496 534, +233(0)322 496 380
- Accra Technical University
Established in 1949 as a Technical School and commissioned in 1957 as Accra Technical Institute, Accra Technical University then (Accra Technical Institute) became the first Technical University to be established. In 1963 the Institute assumed a new name as Accra Polytechnic under the directions of President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to be a key driver of the country’s industrialization process.
The elevation provided that the University under the Higher Education Council was vested with the autonomy to award Higher National Diploma (HND) through the National Board for Professional and Technical Examination (NABPTEX).
With the coming into force of the Polytechnic Act (Act 745) in 2007, the PNDC Law 321 of 1992 was repealed to allow polytechnics the autonomy to award Higher National Diplomas (HND), Diplomas, Certificates and other degrees that the Polytechnic may deem appropriate, all accredited by the National Accreditation Board.
The Technical University Act, 2016, (Act 922) converted together with 8 other Polytechnics, Accra Polytechnic to Accra Technical University, given it a Technical University status.
The elevation was aimed at enhancing technical training with emphasis on producing world-class graduates moulded in excellence and professionalism in diverse technical programmes in theory and in practice.
The University is mandated to provide higher education in engineering, science and technology-based disciplines, technical and vocational education and applied arts and related disciplines.
ATU believes in education and training that develop the competencies and skills of our students to make them relevant to industry and competitive in the job market. It is also on a mission to advance technical knowledge by creating a conducive environment for applied research, quality teaching and competency-based training, with a high impact on industry and businesscreation.
Currently, the University has 5 faculties – Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Built Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Applied Arts, and Faculty of Business – and 16 departments.
CONTACT
Accra Technical University, Barnes Road, Accra, Ghana.
Digital Address: GA-106-2535.
Call: +233 33 209 5371 / +233 54 326 4917.
Email: info@atu.edu.gh
- Takoradi Technical University
The Takoradi Technical University was established in September, 2016, as a result of the government’s policy to convert Takoradi Polytechnic, among five other Polytechnics, to the status of Technical University. In effect, since April 1954, Takoradi Technical University (formerly Takoradi Polytechnic) has existed as a Government Technical Institute under the Ghana Education Service of the Ministry of Education.
During that period, the institute offered programmes mainly at the Craft and Technician Certificate levels in commercial and technical subjects, awarding Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and City and Guilds of London, United Kingdom. However, in 1990, the Ghana Education Service took over the awards of the above-mentioned certificates.
Currently, Takoradi Technical University has three (3) campuses: Effia Kuma (Takoradi), Butumagyebu (Sekondi) and Akatakyi (Agona-Nkwanta). The Akatakyi Campus is the largest of the three.
Takoradi Technical University has the mandate to develop appropriate attitudes and required skills in Information Technology (IT) and entrepreneurship to equip the students with such basic skills for industry and to promote industrialization through relevant research, consultancy and linkage programmes, for social and economic development in the region and the country as a whole.
It is a place for hands-on learning, practicals, discovery, innovation, expression and discourse. The objective of the University is to provide higher education in the engineering, science and technology-based disciplines, technical and vocational programmes, applied arts and related disciplines. However, Takoradi Technical University has dynamically positioned itself to focus on its two core faculties, which are Engineering and Applied Sciences.
CONTACT
info@ttu.edu.gh
academicaffairs@ttu.edu.gh
+233 25 771 0695
- Ho Technical University
The origin of the Ho Technical University goes back to 1968. It was established as a Technical Institute with the primary objective of providing pre-technical education. By 1972, the institute had made tremendous progress in upgrading of the courses offered. Consequently, the pre-technical programmes gave way to courses in the Engineering and Vocational fields, e.g., Basic Engineering, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, Building Technology and Business Education.
In 1986, the Institute became a Polytechnic. It however continued to operate as second cycle institution, until 1993 when the Polytechnic was upgraded to a fully-fledged tertiary institution by the enactment of PNDC Law 321 and charged with the responsibility of training students in the technical and vocational skills to the Higher National Diploma [HND] level. Subsequently, in 2007, Polytechnics were given the mandate by the Polytechnics Act 745 to award their own degrees to the highest level.
Ho Technical University has the mandate to award degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications to the highest level in Engineering, Science and Technology based disciplines, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Applied Arts and related disciplines.
The university is on a mission to train highly competent human resource to the highest level possible through career-focused education, skill training and research in partnership with stakeholders.
Since then, the Polytechnic has been running programmes from non-tertiary level to the bachelor degree level. This year, the Polytechnic has been given the permit to run Masters in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
CONTACT
Box HP 217, Ho
VH-0044-6820
Volta Region
Ghana
+233(0)30 290 5009
+233(0) 50 140 4994
info@htu.edu.gh
6. CAPE COAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Cape Coast Technical University is a unique University that is committed to training of highly skilled human resource in Engineering, Applied Sciences and Technology, Applied Arts and Business in close collaboration with the industries and commerce. Formerly Cape Coast Polytechnic, it was established in 1984 as a second cycle institution.
It has a serene environment conducive for teaching and learning with beautiful sights. The University is located at Eyifua in the north constituency of the Cape Coast Metropolis, the capital city of the Central Region of Ghana. Since its inception, the University has become an excellent academic centre for the training of manpower for the industries in Ghana and beyond.
Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), formerly Cape Coast polytechnic has gone through stages from second cycle institution to its current Technical University stage. In 1986, it operated under Ghana Education Service (GES) as a second cycle institution that offered intermediate courses leading to the award of non-tertiary certificates in Engineering and Business Programmes.
The enactment of the Polytechnic Law (PNDC Law 321), in 1992 paved the way for the institution to attain a Polytechnic status in 1993. As a tertiary institution (just like all the other polytechnics which were upgraded), it was mandated to run programmes in various disciplines leading to the award of Higher National Diploma (HND) which is awarded by the National Board for Professional and Technician examinations (NABTEX).
The objective of polytechnic education in Ghana was to train students to be equipped with the middle level manpower skills, so as to support industry and commerce in the areas of resource and information development.
Cape Coast Technical University is mandated to provide higher education in Engineering, Applied Sciences and Arts, Technical and Vocational Education and Training and other related disciplines. The aim is to train students to be academically and technically balanced in order to match the challenges of the new century.
Currently, as a Technical University, and per the Technical Universities Act, 2016, Act 922, as amended, Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU) is mandated to provide higher education in Engineering, Science and Technology based disciplines, Technical and vocational Education and Training, Applied arts and related disciplines.
The University has three 3 Faculties, thirteen (13) Departments, Directorates, Sections and Units which contribute in the teaching and learning processes in the University. The University now offers Bachelor of Technology programmes (Top-Ups), HND, Professional Diploma and other Diploma Programmes.
The University now has as its focus to be a leading, innovative, and entrepreneurial Technical University with local, national and global influence.
CONTACT
+233 209 185 158
info@cctu.edu.gh
The Registrar, P.O. Box DL 50, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Sunyani Technical University
The University started as Sunyani Technical Institute (SUTECH) in 1967 to offer technical and vocational education and training to Middle School Leavers, and later on, to Junior Secondary School graduates in hands-on Craft/Intermediate Block-Laying and Concreting, Carpentry and Joinery, Furniture Craft as well as Painting and Decoration programmes.
In 1997, Sunyani Technical Institute was upgraded to Sunyani Polytechnic (SPOLY) in line with government policy to stress on Technical/Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the tertiary level. The enabling law, the Polytechnics Act 745 empowered the institution to offer tertiary education programmes, principally, Higher National Diploma (HND) in areas in response to national human resource needs at the tertiary level.
In addition, non-tertiary courses which were being offered in the previous era continued to run as certificated skilled-based courses to serve industry and also feed the HND programmes. Within this period of Polytechnic status, the first corporate strategic plan was formulated to guide the growth and management of the institution from 2005-2015.
In 2016, Sunyani Polytechnic was converted to Sunyani Technical University (STU) and given a new mandate through the coming into force of the Technical Universities Act 2016 (Act 922 as amended).
The Technical Universities Act mandates the University to provide higher education and award degrees, diplomas and other certificates in Engineering, Science, and Technology-based disciplines as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Applied Arts and related disciplines.
The conversion to Technical University has necessitated reforms in internal governance structures and realignment of programmes and departments, increased investment in staff capacity development and infrastructures as well as the formulation and implementation of the second corporate strategic plan for 2015-2020, which is currently being replaced by a new strategic plan for 2020 – 2025.
Currently, Sunyani Technical University offers Bachelor of Technology Degree Programmes, Higher National Diploma (HND) and Non-Tertiary Programmes in Engineering, Science and Technology, TVET, and Applied Arts disciplines.
Other programmes offered included Electrical Installation, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice, Welding and Fabrication, Cookery for the catering and hospitality industry and Business Studies with options in Accounting and Secretarial management. It is interesting to note that, some of these courses are still being offered by the University to different targeted groups through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET).
CONTACT
(+233) 3520 – 27052 / 24924
enquiries@stu.edu.gh
- Tamale Technical University
Tamale Technical University is Africa’s premier University in northern Ghana in the delivery of world-class technical and vocational education. The university traces its history to a trades school in 1951 and a Technical Institute in 1963. It received Technical University classification in 2018 following its conversion from a Polytechnic under the Technical Universities Act, 2016 (Act 922).
Academic excellence is a reflection of the diversity of the student population and absolute emphasis on hands-on practical training, coupled with strong industry linkage.
The University has a very good standing in the world Universities’ rankings in the area of applied research and technology. This is manifested in the form of the many awards it has won over the years.
The mission of the University is to provide higher education and undertake research in engineering, technical and vocational based disciplines using practical and competency-based approach that would produce professionals for industry.
CONTACT
Tamale Technical University
P.O.Box 3 E/R. Tamale, Ghana.
info@tatu.edu.gh
0372099593
9. BOLGATANGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
The school was founded in 1999 and began its academic programmes in September, 2003. Currently, the School has two campuses namely, the Bukere and Sumbrungu campuses.
The University now runs over twenty-five (25) different tertiary programmes of BTech, HND and Diploma curricula in three (3) Schools namely; School of Business and Management Studies, School of Applied Science and Arts and School of Engineering.
Ecological Agriculture is the niche area of the University in line with its agrarian and savannah geographical location. This has made Bolgatanga Technical University to build industrial partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Savanah Agriculture Research Institute (SARI), and the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to improve agriculture in the savannah region of Ghana.
The mission of the university is to provide career-focused education, applying state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops for practical training, applied research and entrepreneurship development in a conducive environment.
CONTACT
Bolgatanga Technical University
Post Office Box 767
Sumburungu, Bolgatanga
Ghana, West Africa
GhPostGPS: UB-0964-8505
+233-504-811-588
admin@bolgatu.edu.gh
10. DR. HILLA LIMANN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University is a public tertiary education institution. The University was converted from a Polytechnic (Wa Polytechnic) to a Technical University in April, 2020 in tandem with the Technical Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1016).
Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University provides tertiary education in the fields of Engineering, Manufacturing, Science and Technology, Technical/Vocational Education and Training, Applied Arts, and Commerce. The University further provides opportunities for skills development, applied research and publication of research findings.
Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University is located in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The vision of the University is to become a world class center for applied technology and career-focused education for rural poverty reduction and national development.
The University has four Faculties: Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Applied Art Design and General Studies and the Business School. The University is in the process of introducing Bachelor of Technology Programmes.
CONTACT
+233 (0)39 209 7531 / +233 (0)3920 97530
info@dhltu.edu.gh