UGBS Professor of Marketing, Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud, Engages Students of Dabokpaa Technical Institute for Academic and Career Guidance
On 11th October 2024, Prof. Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud, a Professor of Marketing at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), engaged students from Dabokpaa Technical Institute, Tamale, during a visit to the University of Ghana Campus.
Dabokpaa Technical Institute recently emerged as the 1st runner-up in the 5th Edition of the Energy Commission Senior High Schools Renewable Energy Challenge and visited Prof. Mahmoud as part of their effort to seek guidance and inspiration from academic role models. The visit aimed to motivate the students to pursue higher academic goals after their success in the competition.
In his address, Prof. Mahmoud encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies and work towards furthering their education at the University of Ghana. He explained to them the importance of continuous learning and urged them to rise above any challenges they may face, particularly those stemming from deprived backgrounds. Speaking on the strategic use of technology, Prof. Mahmoud cautioned against its potential drawbacks, instead focusing on the benefits. He explained that social media, in particular, has both negative and positive aspects. He further urged the students to focus on its positive potential.
Prof. Mahmoud further advised the students to stay curious, set clear academic and career goals, embrace failure as part of learning, seek mentorship for guidance, think beyond their current environment to explore broader opportunities, and balance their passion for innovation with practical market demands to achieve long-term success.
Dabokpaa Technical Institute secured second place with their innovative project titled “Smart Purifix System,” a water purification solution designed to address water pollution caused by illegal mining, agricultural runoff, and other contaminants. In addition to this achievement, the school had earlier manufactured a tricycle to reduce the importation of such products into the country.
The Energy Commission’s Renewable Energy Challenge was launched in 2019. It is a national initiative aimed at raising awareness and providing education on renewable energy resources and technologies to Senior High and Technical Schools. This year's competition was themed "Application of Renewable Energy Technologies in Solving Land Degradation and Water Pollution." It was organised by the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and Ghana TVET Service.
The students were accompanied by Ms. Mariama Mahama– Principal, Mr. Alhassan Tuferu- Coach, Mr. Amadu Lukeman- Coach, Mr. Mankrom Manasseh- Male chaperone, Ms. Grace Achaa- Female chaperone, Mr. Ibrahim Yussif Osman, Savannah, northern and north-east regional Tvet voucher project coordinator.