Prof. Ronald Tuninga, Rector of Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, delivered the 7th Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture of Ho Technical University on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at the G.M. Afeti Auditorium.
Delivering on the theme: “Business Practice in the Era of AI: Implications for Technical Universities in Ghana,” Prof. Tuninga underscored that Artificial Intelligence is not merely a technological revolution but a transformation of how humanity learns, works, innovates, and solves societal challenges.
He explained that the future workforce will be defined by critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving rather than memorization. He urged technical universities to move beyond knowledge transmission to become co-creators of innovation and drivers of national development.
He further emphasized that Africa’s digital future depends on developing local datasets, indigenous AI applications, and solutions that reflect unique contexts and languages. According to him, strong partnerships between universities, industry, researchers, and policymakers are essential for preparing students and organizations for the future. He advocated for multidisciplinary education, innovation ecosystems, and industry-responsive learning to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global economy.
In his welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Honyenuga, highlighted the importance of the Distinguished Lecture Series in stimulating intellectual discourse, inspiring research, and aligning academic work with industry needs. He noted that Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics are transforming education and business landscapes, and called on the university community to embrace these technologies to remain globally relevant.
Prof. Honyenuga remarked: “AI is transforming how we learn, teach, research and conduct business in almost all fields of work. To harness its potential, we must continually engage with these technologies to enhance performance.”
The Vice-Chancellor’ also paid tribute to Prof. Tuninga, describing him as a mentor, former supervisor, and respected colleague whose expertise enriches discourse on the future of education and business in the age of AI.
The event was well attended by management members including Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Mensah, and Acting Registrar, Dr. Michael Todoko, together with faculty, staff, students, and invited guests from academia, industry, and public institutions. Their presence underscored HTU’s collective commitment to innovation, dialogue, and national development.