Ekele, Training Manager at FASMICRO, testing codes on PIC microcontoller
As part of efforts to deepen understanding and knowledge in embedded systems in Ghana, Kumasi Center for Lifelong Learning-KCLL, First Atlantic Semiconductor and Microelectronics-FASMICRO and Mobile Friday are collaborating on an embedded system training at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology- KNUST, based in Kumasi, Ghana.
The training is a 10 day hands – on class designed to teach students and entrepreneurs on how to program PIC microcontroller in both assembly language and C/C++. The classes equally exposes students and entrepreneurs to software development techniques for embedded systems. In the course of the class, trainees are required to write programs to control LEDs, seven segments displays, LCD, build a digital clock, piano, keypad e.t.c and are equally introduced to USART/UART and USB communication protocol. The class also has segments highlighting the business aspects of embedded systems and a networking session where students interact with industry leaders and established entrepreneurs to afford them the chance to have first hand knowledge on the expectations from industry and the private sector.Participants background are in Aerospace, Actuarial Science, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Agricultural and Computer Engineering.
FASMICRO is Nigeria’s largest embedded systems company with deep domain expertise on Microchip microcontroller technologies. Microchip microcontroller technologies are used for products and training sessions.
Mobile Friday on the other hand is a vibrant group of interested students & industry experts learning and sharing ideas about the development and marketing of mobile apps that will help solve problems and improve services for Ghanaian consumers.
Students practicing on PIC microcontroller
Further, Kumasi Center is holding discussion with the KNUST Center for Business Development towards establishing a Microelectronics Training and Development Center-MTDC to enhance research and development in practical ICT’s and also boost entrepreneurship and business development in Kumasi and Ghana as a whole. This will also boost efforts at ensuring that students become entrepreneurs to create jobs instead of being job seekers and adding on the the already choked unemployment levels in the country.
Additionally, an MTDC will enhance embedded system training which will be held quarterly from 2013.
By: Yaw Adu-Gyamfi
Executive Director
