Accra, June 12, GNA – GCB Bank PLC (GCB Bank) and the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) aimed at nurturing new talent in the field of technology and cyber security.
This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of both institutions to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial practice, thereby equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Central to this partnership is the implementation of a comprehensive internship program provided by GCB Bank. The initiative is designed to provide students from GCTU’s Computer Science and Cybersecurity Departments with invaluable hands-on experience in real-world cybersecurity environments.
By immersing students in the practical aspects of their industry, the program provides recipients with much-needed hands-on experience and expertise that add to their academic knowledge to create a well-rounded, industry-ready workforce.
GCB Bank Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Odartey Lamptey, while signing the MoU, outlined the Bank’s reasoning behind the initiative.
“The dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of technology and information security requires students to acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience to be fully prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers.
At GCB Bank, we are committed to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing them with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios,” said Mr. Lamptey.
The internship program will immerse students in cutting-edge cyber security technologies and best practices, ensuring their proficiency aligns with modern industry standards.
In addition, the program offers mentoring opportunities, allowing students to work with experienced professionals on critical projects.
This exposure is expected to significantly stimulate their professional development and enhance their readiness for the competitive labor market.
Expressing gratitude to GCB Bank for its commitment to help nurture new talent in the field of technology and cyber security and provide internship program opportunities to students from the IT and Cyber Security Departments of the University, GCTU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene- The Afoakwa, articulated the University’s vision to create a Ghanaian equivalent of Silicon Valley through the establishment of the Center for Innovation, Technology Skills and Entrepreneurship Development.
“We are pursuing a very big agenda that is about a vision of developing Ghana’s version of Silicon Valley in training ICT professionals for the entire nation, and not just for Ghana, but for West Africa,” the professor Ohene – Afoakwa stated.
The envisioned center, set to open in August, will be equipped with more than 100 computers and staffed by experts from across Africa. These experts will be tasked with training students and various institutions in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other critical IT disciplines.
The partnership between GCB Bank and GCTU is a strategic partnership that promises mutual benefits. For GCB Bank, it is an opportunity to identify and nurture talented individuals who could potentially integrate into their workforce.
For GCTU, it reinforces their commitment to provide students with a well-rounded education that seamlessly integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application.
The MoU represents an important step towards developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges posed by the ever-evolving fields of technology and cyber security.
By fostering such collaborations, both institutions not only contribute to the professional development of students, but also play a key role in the wider agenda of technological advancement in Ghana.
GNA