ACITY University drives higher education transformation through innovation

 

 

Academic City University (ACITY), one of Ghana’s fastest-growing private universities is driving efforts to reshape higher education by placing innovation and impact-driven at the heart of its teaching, research, and community engagement strategies.

University leaders say the institution is committed to producing graduates who are not only academically grounded but also equipped to create solutions that deliver measurable impact in society.

Fred McBagonluri, the president of Academic City University, made this known when he said that the institution’s goal is to produce graduates who can create solutions and opportunities wherever they find themselves.

“At Academic City, we believe education must go beyond knowledge acquisition. We are committed to developing innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who can create value and solve complex problems in their communities and across the world,” he said.

McBagonluri emphasised that higher education remains one of the most significant drivers of economic growth, innovation and national development.

“Across the world, universities are increasingly expected to do more than award degrees, they are required to develop graduates who can solve real-world problems, create jobs, drive innovation and contribute meaningfully to society.

“In Africa, where rapid technological advancement, youth unemployment and economic transformation present both challenges and opportunities, the role of universities has become even more critical,” he noted.

Besides, he said that institutions that combine academic excellence with practical skills development are helping to bridge the gap between education and industry while preparing graduates for the future of work.

Speaking about what ACITY is doing to tweak learning in African higher institutions, he said, “Since establishment, Academic City has pursued a clear mission: to educate ethical leaders and future-ready problem solvers capable of addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges through innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

“The university’s educational philosophy is built around experiential learning, critical thinking, creativity and leadership development. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical instruction,”

Moreover, he said that students are encouraged to work on projects, research, product development and entrepreneurial ventures throughout their academic journey.

“This approach ensures that graduates leave the university not only with academic qualifications but also with practical experience and problem-solving skills highly sought after by employers,” the president said.

McBagonluri explained that one of the institution’s strongest indicators of success is the performance of its graduates.

“Since graduating its first class, the university has successfully produced five cohorts of undergraduate graduates and its first batch of postgraduate graduates.

“These alumni continue to make significant strides across various industries both in Ghana and internationally,” he noted.

Recognising the growing need for advanced professional education, he said the university has also expanded into postgraduate education.

Besides, the university’s technology and entrepreneurship centre serves as a platform where students can transform ideas into viable products and businesses.

“Through mentorship, industry partnerships and access to innovation resources, students are encouraged to experiment, build prototypes and pursue entrepreneurial ventures,” McBagonluri said.

To ensure graduates remain relevant to evolving workforce demands, Academic City maintains strong relationships with industry partners, multinational corporations and technology companies.

These partnerships provide students with internship opportunities, mentorship, collaborative projects and exposure to real workplace environments before graduation.

The university’s industry-driven approach ensures that academic programmes remain aligned with market needs while giving students a competitive advantage in securing employment and advancing their careers.

As Africa continues to pursue industrialisation, digital transformation and sustainable development, universities have an important role to play in nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

Academic City has demonstrated that world-class education can be delivered in Africa while remaining connected to the continent’s development needs.

Through its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity, experiential learning and academic excellence, the university continues to shape graduates who are not merely seeking jobs but creating solutions, generating opportunities and driving positive change.

As the university continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: to develop ethical leaders and future-ready problem solvers capable of transforming Africa and the world.