A state-of-the-art cybersecurity, digital forensic, STEM and artificial Intelligence laboratory has been launched at the Wisconsin International University College in Accra.
The new facility which is designed to serve both academic and consultancy purposes has positioned the university as the leader in technological innovation and advancement in research in the West Africa sub-region.
Among the key features of the new edifice are advanced cybersecurity equipment, Digital Forensic tools, Artificial Intelligence Integration and STEM Innovation Hub.
Launching speech
Launching the facility, the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, praised the leadership of the University for its vision and effort towards providing the needed resources for the training of their students.
He was particularly happy that the introduction of the new equipment was in line with the government’s vision of providing Ghanaian students with critically needed skills so they would be relevant and competitive wherever they travel globally.
Dr Adutwum hinted at plans to inaugurate some new STEM institutions by September this year to boost the teaching and learning of STEM in the country.
Relevance to the nation
He explained that the government’s focus on STEM education was due to the critical role STEM played in the transformation of every country.
The Education Minister who is also the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti region was upbeat that the new facility would go a long way to complement the government’s effort at promoting STEM education in the country.
Changing the face of education
He recounted the effort being made to transform the nation through education as he mentioned the various interventions and innovations that have been brought on board towards changing the face of education in the country and urged the people to trust the government for its development focus through education.
The President of WIUC, Prof. Obeng Mireku, commended their various partners for the successful setting up of the facility indicating that it was part of their effort to boost the teaching and learning of STEM courses in the institution.
Again, he explained that “this facility represents a remarkable advancement in technology education in Ghana, demonstrating our dedication to significantly contributing to the nation’s ICT education”.
Prof. Mireku stated that the new facility will focus on critical areas such as cybersecurity, digital forensics, artificial intelligence and STEM.
He mentioned that the lab would help to empower users to stimulate and analyse real-world scenarios, to enhance their capability to handle digital crimes and cybersecurity issues very well.
Background
The provision of the state-of-the-art cybersecurity, Digital Forensic, STEM and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has been identified as a very crucial course needed by various facets of the nation’s economy.
It is based on this that the management of the WIUC in collaboration with both their local and foreign partners provided the facility to enhance effective teaching and learning for their students as well as other state institutions including the Cyber Security Authority.
The laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology and modern equipment was part of WIUC’s initiative for the introduction of their new Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, ICT and Business Computing programmes.