GCTU Hosts Training Workshop On Fiber Optics Technology, Terrestrial & Submarine Infrastructure

The Centre for Strategic Business and Professional Development (CSBPD) of the GCTU has hosted a 10-day training workshop on fiber optics, terrestrial and submarine infrastructure from August 26 to September 6, 2024, at the main campus.

The workshop was held for a select group of staff from the National Communications Authority to enhance their skills and knowledge in terrestrial and submarine infrastructure, covering areas such as fundamental principles, installation techniques, testing procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance standards.

The Lead facilitator, Mr. Michael Kodjo Agorsah, assisted by an officer from the Faculty of Engineering, Mr. Dennis Sackey formed a dynamic team that guided the participants through the workshop.
Mr. Agorsah delivered a presentation on Fiber Optics in which he explained that fiber optics connect the world, both under the seas and across the land, with virtually all communications relying on this technology and facilitates telephony, internet, local area networks (LANs), cable television (CATV) for video, voice and internet connections, as well as utilities for power grid management.

In his discussion on “Submarine Fiber Optic Infrastructure,” Mr. Agorsah explained that submarine cables are critical components of global telecommunications, forming the backbone of worldwide connectivity. These cables, laid on the seabed between land-based stations, transmit vast amounts of data across oceans, connecting continents and facilitating global communication.

During a practical demonstration, Mr. Agorsah guided participants through the step-by-step process of preparing a 48-core fiber cable for splicing. The hands-on exercise covered tasks such as preparing the fiber cable, removing the outer jacket, exposing the fiber tubes, cleaning the fibers, stripping the cable, and preparing it for splicing.

Giving her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Ruhiya Abubakar, noted that this comprehensive training programme will empower participants to develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in diverse fiber optics environments.

She charged participants to become ambassadors of the training programme, spreading the benefits of the knowledge and skills acquired to their organization. By doing so, they would not only enhance their own professional growth but also contribute to the advancement of the industry as a whole.

As part o f the training, the participants embarked on an industrial tour at MainOne, a leading internet service provider, where the Head of Network Operations and Transmission assisted them to explore the entire infrastructure and operations of the company.

Earlier, the Director of CSBPD, Mrs. Araba Hackman Akanji warmly welcomed the participants to the workshop. She indicated that CSBPD is dedicated to handling non-academic programmes for the University, focusing on providing cutting-edge training and development opportunities. “Our goal is to equip you with the expertise and confidence to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to your organization,” he stated.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Akanji expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the facilitators, participants and training coordinators for a successful workshop. “Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a comprehensive programme and we are expected to see the impact it will have on your careers. We are honoured to be part of your professional development journey,” she emphasized.
At the end of the training programme, participants were awarded certificates of participation.