GTEC to allow Visual Arts Students to pursue Engineering Programmes in the university

The Education Minister has disclosed that students who do Visual Arts as a course in the second cycle institution can continue to do engineering in tertiary if they so desire.

Dr Yaw Adutwum added that the government is working closely with Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to allow Visual Arts students to pursue a course and career in engineering.

He explained that engineering requires creativity, and impediments should not be placed in the way of visual arts students who possess such qualities.

"This year, we are going to get, for the first time in the history of this country, our students who are doing visual arts being given the opportunity to become engineers. And engineers should not think they are going to destroy their profession."

"I don't think we can do engineering very well if we don't have people who are creative in the midst of it. I am not saying lower standards; they will come in and do pre-engineering and pass the same physics and chemistry courses you expect of everyone. And once they do that, why should we put barriers in their way?"

"Last year 83,000 students did Visual Arts and they only thing they can do is B.A, Art, drawing something or set up a shop by the street side, we are telling them we'd never allowed them to change their minds.

"And if that child wants to do engineering, they must be given a chance; if they do not prove themselves, then it's not your fault."