The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has stepped up efforts to align its academic programmes and course contents with the demands of industry, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, has stated.
This is to boost innovations, technological advancement as well as the practical training of students, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor said.
“What is happening at the global arena calls for constant engagement such that the University is able to review its curricula to suit the demands of industry while addressing societal challenges,” he observed.
Prof. Owusu-Dabo said this at the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University and Nestlè Ghana Limited, at the Council Chamber, Kumasi.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor signed for the University, while Madam Celine Worth, the Global Director of Affordable Nutrition Programme and Academic Alliance, initialled for Nestlè.
The agreement will be in force for three years, and allow Nestlè to provide internships and attachment opportunities for KNUST students to build the development of their practical skills.
Additionally, the University is expected to offer technical expertise in the area of research to underpin the company’s value chain.
The initial collaboration between the two entities was formalised about three years ago, and the renewed MoU is expected to further deepen the existing partnership for the mutual benefits of the University and Nestlè.
KNUST, currently the best university on the African continent in terms of quality education, has in recent times increased its partnership with the corporate community to help fine-tune its academic programmes in response to the global trends.
Prof. Owusu-Dabo said the University existed to solve problems; therefore, it would continue to work assiduously to proffer solutions to the development setbacks confronting the nation.
He described the University’s recent high classification by the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking, published on April 28, 2022, as a motivation for the staff and students, and assured that the authorities were focused on delivering on their mandate.
Madam Worth said the MoU will help the two entities share experiences as they strived to achieve their vision and mission statements.
The company was delighted to be working with the academia, she noted, saying the authorities would adhere to the tenets under the agreement for its successful implementation.
Mr Tesfa Haile, Head of Nestlè Research and Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, said the agreement would help open the doors of the company to students and staff of the University as they sought to build their competencies in the various fields.
He stressed the need for the University to focus on food safety and sustainable agricultural practices in their research as its contribution to sustainable food systems and security.
Source: GNA
