A grand exhibition at Ho Technical University (HTU) was held on Thursday, December 18, to coincide with the graduation of 270 Precision Quality (PQ) interns who successfully completed a six-month intensive training programme. The internship was jointly organised by the Design Technology Institute, Accents and Arts, and the Mastercard Foundation, underscoring the growing collaboration between academia and industry.
Precision Quality Internship Programme at HTU
The interns received hands-on training across diverse practical fields, including:
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Hospitality
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Fashion
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Business skills
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Welding and fabrication
The graduation and exhibition were held under the theme:
“Empowering the Next Generation Through Precision, Quality, and Innovation.”
The exhibition showcased the skills, creativity, and innovations developed by the interns throughout the programme.
Why Skills and Innovation Matter in Today’s Economy
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chancellor of HTU, Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, emphasised the evolving definition of success in a global economy.
“In a rapidly changing global economy, success is no longer defined by the mere acquisition of knowledge. It hinges on skills, creativity, discipline, and the ability to innovate with purpose.”
He explained that:
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Precision demands attention to detail and excellence
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Quality reflects consistency, professionalism, and high standards
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Innovation drives relevance, competitiveness, and transformation
According to him, these values formed the foundation of the Precision Quality training model.
Industry–Academia Collaboration Driving Employability
Professor Honyenuga stated that the event demonstrated the positive outcomes of collaboration between academia and industry, noting that HTU remains committed to producing graduates who are:
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Employable
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Entrepreneurial
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Innovative
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Socially responsible
He added that the university has adopted Precision Quality as a strategic initiative across all departments to align training with evolving industry needs.
Employment, Start-Up Support, and Seed Funding for Graduates
Earlier, General Manager of Accents and Arts, Mrs Bernice Gavor, revealed that 88 graduates had already secured employment since the programme’s launch in April, with more placements ongoing.
“Leading companies across telecommunications, fashion and design, engineering, welding and fabrication, insurance, creative media, technology, hospitality, and interior design have opened their doors to our graduates.”
She also announced additional support initiatives:
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Five graduate-led ventures will receive USD 1,000 seed capital each and undergo six-month incubation at the Innovation Hub
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44 graduates will receive start-up kits valued at USD 600 and participate in a three-month acceleration programme
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Mrs Gavor described the Precision Quality programme as a strategic workforce development intervention designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands.
She explained that the programme combines:
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Theory
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Hands-on skills
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Practical experience
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Mentorship and soft-skills training
This approach prepares graduates not only for employment, but also for meaningful contribution to national development.
