In recognition of innovative strides in tech, the Minister for Education (MoE), Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has lauded GCTU’s exemplary and forward-thinking leadership in the field of emerging technologies.
The Minister’s remarks were delivered in a speech read by the Executive Director, Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), Prof. Diyawu Mumin, during the Fourth International Conference on Information Systems and Emerging Technologies (ICISET) 2025. GCTU, in collaboration with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), hosted the Conference from October 27 to 29, 2025, at the Florence Onny Auditorium, under the theme: “Emerging Technologies and Industrial Revolution for Sustainable Development.”
The Hon. Minister highlighted GCTU’s sustained efforts in research, innovation and international collaboration in the field of computer science, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, cyber security, information technology and data science, which are nothing short of top-notch and commendable. “GCTU has positioned itself as a national and continental hub for fourth industrial revolution (4IR) discourse and innovation.
Through initiatives such as the commissioning of a 60-user CITSET lab,” Hon. Iddrisu emphasized. According to him, CITSET will equip students and professionals with skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced tech-driven economy, while advancing GCTU’s vision of becoming the “Silicon Valley of Africa”. He stressed that GCTU exemplifies the kind of institutional excellence that drives the future of education in Ghana, indicating that the MoE recognizes these contributions and pledges its continued support for such forward-looking institutional initiatives.
Hon. Iddrisu elaborated that MoE’s strategic focus had been to realign the educational ecosystem to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. Through deliberate investments in STEM education, TVET modernization and digital learning infrastructure. “We are nurturing a generation capable of thinking critically, innovating responsibly and competing globally. We have rolled out smart classrooms, STEM centres of excellence and digital literacy frameworks that ensure our students are not left behind in the global technological race,” he remarked. Hon. Iddrisu stated, that, as a nation, we must continue to strengthen the synergy between government, academia and industry to sustain the momentum toward a digital and knowledge-based economy.
Speaking at the event, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) and Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, emphasized, that the event had arrived at a pivotal moment in human history, when the confluence of artificial intelligence, blockchain, immersive technologies and data-driven innovation are reshaping economies and redefining the fabric of sustainable development.
He further added that GCTU’s strategic partnerships with NUST, the University of British Columbia and other universities, embody the institution’s belief that knowledge transcends borders. “Through initiatives such as our blockchain innovation and research collaboration, we seek to position African ingenuity at the heart of global technological discourse,” he indicated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the GCTU Governing Council, Ing. Divine Kpetigo, noted that the Conference theme captures the essence of collective pursuit of technological transformation, driving inclusive growth, innovation and global competitiveness. “Emerging technologies are redefining industries and human interactions and this conference provides a vital platform for discourse, research and actionable collaboration,” Ing. Kpetigo elaborated. He further stated that GCTU is leveraging emerging technologies like AI, data science, blockchain and IoT to drive innovation, governance and development in Africa. By connecting academic research with industry needs, GCTU equips students for the digital age and cultivates collaborations that drive tech progress.
In his presentation, the Head of Cyber Security Technology Standards, Mr. Jake France, on behalf of the Director–General of the Cyber Security Authority, highlighted the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on economies and societies. Technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT bring opportunities, but also vulnerabilities, including cyber threats and digital inequalities. He said, that the CSA emphasizes responsible adoption, balancing innovation with security, accountability ethics and inclusivity. He provided some key statistics in support of his submission such as:
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Online fraud cases rose from 194 (Jan-March 2024) to 305 (Jan-March 2025)
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Financial losses from online fraud: GH¢2.5 million (2024) to GH¢4.4 million (2025)
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Ransomware losses (Jan-Sep 2025): GH¢19.3 million
According to Mr. France, the CSA continues to promote cybersecurity as an enabler of innovation, focusing on standards, capacity building and awareness. “Collaboration with universities like GCTU is key to driving this agenda. GCTU is crucial for knowledge creation and skills development,” he remarked. Mr. France hinted that the CSA is engaging the necessary authorities to integrate cybersecurity education into Ghana’s national curriculum, ensuring the safe and ethical deployment of technology.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Conference, Dr. Emmanuel Freeman, warmly welcomed 150 in-person and online participants to the event. He recounted how the event originated from a phone call conversation with the Co-Chair, Prof. Jude Osakwe (NUST). Dr. Freeman noted that all presentations are tailored for an African-led revolution in innovation, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and other cutting-edge applications. According to him, the Conference, which began in 2022 at NUST has since been hosted twice, with previous locations in South Africa and now Ghana. He said that NUST will continue to collaborate with GCTU.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Freeman extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Council Chair and the University Management, for their support and the opportunity to host the event at GCTU. He thanked the local organizing committee and participants for attending the conference.
In another development, the Executive Chairperson, SOS Global Investments, Founder of Nekotech Center of Excellence (NGO) and an accomplished Author, H.E. Rev. Dr. Asie Kabuki Ocansey, launched her book at the event, titled “Decade of Kingdom, African Intelligence.”
The conference culminated with a dinner and awards night
