Pro Vice-Chancellor of KsTU Honoured with SEDRC 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Kumasi Technical University's (KsTU) Pro Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah, has been honoured with the prestigious SEDRC 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to gender equality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Africa. This recognition was presented at the 13th Sustainable Education and Development Research Conference (SEDRC) on August 29, 2024, at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana celebrated her remarkable efforts as a "Champion of Gender Equality in TVET Education."

The award ceremony was organised by Cape Coast Technical University and the African Applied Researchers' Association and recognised Prof. Obiri-Yeboah's exceptional work in advancing equal opportunities for women in TVET education, which plays a crucial role in developing technical expertise and leadership across the continent.

In her speech, Prof. Obiri-Yeboah expressed deep gratitude to the conference organisers and highlighted the importance of technology and education in fostering inclusive growth, especially for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). She also delivered a thought-provoking address on the conference theme, "Inclusive Technology Adoption for SME Development," aligning her speech with the event’s broader goal of promoting equitable access to education and technology.

Prof. Obiri-Yeboah stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where SMEs often struggle to keep pace with urban counterparts. She called for policies and initiatives that ensure equitable access to digital infrastructure, content, and training, noting that these efforts are essential to fostering inclusive economic growth.

This award adds to the growing list of recognitions Prof. Obiri-Yeboah has received for her dedication to gender equality and her impact on TVET education in Africa. As the first female Pro Vice-Chancellor of Kumasi Technical University and a trailblazer in the field of Civil Engineering, her leadership continues to inspire students, professionals and policymakers across the continent.

Kumasi Technical University celebrates this significant achievement, which reflects the institution’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and social impact. The University congratulates Ing. Prof. Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah on this well-deserved honour and looks forward to her continued contributions to advancing inclusive education and technology adoption in Ghana and beyond.