Mrs Priscilla Art-Maduguh, Creative Director of Letido, a fashion brand, and alumna of Ho Technical University (HTU), has encouraged graduating students to transform their practical training and classroom knowledge into viable careers and businesses.

Speaking at the first session of HTU’s 26th Congregation in Ho as a Guest Speaker, she said the University had equipped students with hands-on skills that should enable them to innovate, pursue entrepreneurship, and become job creators rather than job seekers.

“The Ho Technical University I experienced, prepares you to create your own jobs,” she said.

“You have been exposed to many resources beyond lectures. Use them, otherwise you will end up paying your colleagues for master classes on the very knowledge you already possess but are failing to apply.”

Mrs Art-Maduguh emphasised that branding, consistency, and resilience often define the difference between graduates of technical universities, traditional universities, and artisanal practitioners.

She urged the students to value small beginnings, noting that many global enterprises started from modest spaces and simple ideas.

“Do not throw away small ideas, you never know how they will grow,” she added.

She encouraged grandaunts to build meaningful relationships in their respective fields, describing networking as a form of currency. “Relationships are a currency; you cannot grow without them.”

Drawing from her own journey, she shared how her fashion brand, Letido, formerly “Pridi Trends” began on campus when she did not own a sewing machine.

Through borrowed equipment, consistent practice, and strong personal branding, she built a fashion label that is now widely recognised.

“Entrepreneurship is not an easy escape route. You will face losses, hunger, and sleepless nights. But if you remain disciplined and focused, it becomes the most rewarding journey,” she said. “Work hard until you can employ others.”

Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, the Vice-Chancellor of the HTU, commended the 1,869 graduates for their determination and resilience.

He said the year had been one of significant gains for the University, highlighting improved faculty qualifications, strengthened governance systems, increased research output, and new international collaborations.

He revealed that HTU’s research visibility had grown impressively, with publications indexed in Scopus rising from four in 2012 to 631 as of October 2025.

Prof Honyenuga also cited major institutional achievements, including the establishment of the Precision Quality Innovation Hub, advancement of the Circular Economy Centre, expanded collaborations with the Ghana Navy, and ongoing partnerships with international universities.

He reaffirmed that HTU remained the best-ranked Technical University in Ghana and led the nation in the 2024 Green Metric World University Rankings.

Despite these achievements, the Vice-Chancellor noted key challenges affecting the University’s development.

These included inadequate residential facilities for staff and students, limited financial resources to support niche academic areas, high costs of essential equipment and advanced educational software, and the absence of a teaching hotel for hospitality and tourism students.

“Addressing these challenges is crucial for sustaining our progress and ensuring that we continue to deliver quality technical and vocational education,” he said.

He urged the graduates to remain adaptable, innovative, and community-minded as they transition into the world of work.

“Carry the HTU spirit wherever you go. Let integrity be your compass,” he said.

Prof Smile Gavua Dzisi, Chairperson of the University Governing Council, expressed gratitude to the government for reconstituting the Council and praised the calibre of individuals serving on it.

She lauded the University’s steady progress and the growing research visibility of faculty and staff, saying, these achievements had positioned HTU competitively both locally and internationally.

Prof Dzisi stressed the urgent need to address the University’s infrastructure deficit, particularly residential facilities, and assured that the Council would pursue the government’s commitment under the EMAP initiative to provide student accommodation.

“We must provide commensurate academic facilities to meet the growing numbers,” she said.

“The Governing Council will take strategic measures to tackle these pressing needs.”

Ms Nancy Agyeman Duah (BTech Hospitality Management), the Valedictorian, expressed profound gratitude to MTN Ghana for sponsoring her through the MTN Bright Scholarship.

She described the support as transformative and urged corporate bodies to continue investing in young people.

She thanked the University management, lecturers, parents, and colleagues for their guidance and encouragement throughout her academic journey.

“As we step into a rapidly changing world, we must stay updated on innovations to remain relevant,” she said.

“Success is built through community, courage, and compassion. Let us maintain genuine connections and uphold the values of innovation, integrity, and impact.”

Ms Duah urged her fellow graduates to go forth as ambassadors of HTU and use their technical skills to serve society with excellence and purpose.