The French Embassy paid an important visit to Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), kicking off a potential collaboration with French educational institutions in the fields of research, data sharing, and student exchange programmes. Dr. Florent Engelmann, Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation at the French Embassy, and Esther Clare Attionu, a Nyansapo Project Officer, led the visit, which was intended to look into opportunities for project funding and possible collaborations that would be advantageous to both the students and the general public.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of KsTU, Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh, graciously welcomed the party upon their arrival and extended cordial hospitality. This was the start of a lively and productive conversation between the two parties in an effort to establish the groundwork for further initiatives that will linkKsTU with renowned French Universities.
The potential collaboration opens doors for various faculties and schools at KsTU to partner with French Universities, paving the way for approved project proposals to receive possible funding. Prof. Dwomoh expressed sincere appreciation for the French Embassy's interest in exploring areas of mutual collaboration that would serve the best interests of both KsTU and the French academic institutions.
At the meeting, key members of KsTU, including the Registrar, Mr. Ebenezer Kofi Boakye, the Director of Finance, Mr. James Osei Brobbey, Prof. Sarfo Mensah (Head of International Affairs and Institutional Linkages), and several deans and directors from diverse faculties, including Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development, Engineering and Technology, Creative Arts and Technology, Built and Natural Environment, Health Sciences, and Applied Sciences and Technology, were present.
Prof. Dwomoh made a heartfelt appeal to the French Embassy to consider establishing exclusive concessions for Technical Universities, separate from mainstream universities. This initiative would enable more technical universities to participate in and benefit from the Embassy's collaboration and funding support. He encouraged the deans of various faculties to diligently search for French institutions that align with their objectives, strategically selecting areas of interest that will maximize the potential benefits of the partnership.
Speaking on the rationale for the collaboration, Dr. Florent Engelmann emphasized the Embassy's commitment to promoting joint research and higher education programs. He expressed the realization that technical universities hold tremendous potential for collaboration and highlighted the Embassy's eagerness to work closely with them to contribute to the country's development.
Esther Clare Attionu, the Nyansapo Project Officer, provided an overview of the project and hinted at the possibility of approved project proposals receiving funding. The Embassy had initially opened calls for grants and partnerships with French Universities, but upon recognizing the limited representation from technical universities, they embarked on this groundbreaking visit to KsTU, paving the way for a new era of cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.
The partnership between Kumasi Technical University and the French Embassy promises to be a transformative force, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth, knowledge exchange, and hands-on experience in diverse fields. By fostering joint research and data-sharing initiatives, this collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to Ghana's socio-economic development while promoting academic excellence and cross-border understanding.
As the journey of partnership unfolds, Kumasi Technical University and the French Embassy stand united in their commitment to empower the nation's youth and drive innovation for a brighter future.