Michael Larbie, Group Executive for Corporate and Investment Banking at Ecobank, has underlined the growing importance of adaptability and continuous skills development in a changing global economy, as the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), opened its 2026 Practitioner’s Forum.
He told participants that rapid “technological change,” including the rise of artificial intelligence, is reshaping job roles and raising expectations for professionals across industries. He noted that while academic qualifications remain important, long-term success increasingly depends on “critical thinking,” “effective communication,” and “resilience.”
The investment banking executive urged students to prioritise “continuous learning” and build “strong professional networks,” stressing that career growth now requires a proactive approach to skills development and adaptability in response to shifting market conditions.
The forum, which began on April 17, forms part of UPSA’s structured approach to aligning academic training with industry expectations. University officials say the programme is designed to expose postgraduate students to real-world insights and strengthen their readiness for the labour market.
Acting Dean of the Graduate School, Dr Michael Mickson, described the initiative as a platform for integrating “scholarship with professional practice,” enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with workplace demands. He indicated that such engagements are central to improving graduate outcomes and relevance.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Selasi Asamoah highlighted the forum’s role in meeting “accreditation requirements” under the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), describing it as a structured mechanism for strengthening the alignment between academic training and industry expectations.
He noted that the evolving labour market increasingly demands competencies beyond formal qualifications, with employers placing greater emphasis on “adaptability,” “problem-solving,” and “entrepreneurial thinking.”
He indicated that initiatives such as the Practitioner’s Forum are critical in bridging the gap between classroom instruction and workplace realities, particularly in preparing graduates for dynamic and competitive professional environments.
