Government introduces pre-engineering course for students without science background

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, on Wednesday announced the introduction of a one-year pre-engineering course for high school graduates with no science background.

The program, the minister said, would be piloted at the University of Mining and Technology (UMAT) and the University of Pentecost, urging prospective students to apply through the universities’ websites.

Speaking at the launch of the program in Accra, Dr Adutwum said the deadline for application was February 7, 2022 and the program would start in March 2022.

He said students would be taught physics, chemistry, math electives, technical drawing and information and communication technology and, if successful, they would be admitted to the engineering course of their choice in the universities.

He said the initiative was to encourage arts students who wanted to offer engineering programs in universities to do so and also to promote the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (STEM) in the country.

“The intervention is part of the ministry’s plans to transform education in the country and meet the needs of industry players and compete in the market,” he said.

He said change was inevitable and it was imperative that all stakeholders support the paradigm shift to provide a career path for students to respond to the industrial revolution and contribute to national development.

Dr. Adutwum tasked public universities with helping students develop their critical thinking skills to be innovative and problem solvers.

He said the ministry was working diligently to focus on Education 4.0 – a desired approach to learning that aligns with the emerging fourth industrial revolution like smart technology, artificial intelligence and robotics.

“We are not going to lower university standards, but help strengthen the system and support more students with creative ideas to venture into the field of engineering,” he said.

Professor Richard Amankwah, vice-chancellor of UMAT, said the University is poised to support the initiative and give interested students the opportunity to offer engineering programs.

Mr. Michael Wisdom Kwame Gyimah, Chief Information Officer of Pentecost University, said the collaboration will strengthen STEM education and contribute to national growth.

Source: GNA