KsTU Hosts Durban University of Technology Executive Dean to Strengthen Strategic Academic Partnership
Picture:The Vice-Chancellor (second left), and Prof. Molusiwa Stephan Ramabodu (second right), pose with university officials after discussions between the two institutions.
Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has hosted Prof. Molusiwa Stephan Ramabodu, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa, on a six-day working visit aimed at strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two institutions.
The visit, which took place from 25th to 30th May 2026, was organised following a strategic invitation extended by the Dean of the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment (FBNE) at KsTU, Prof. F.K. Bondinuba, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration in postgraduate education, research, and academic exchange.
A major highlight of the visit was a courtesy call and strategic engagement with the Management of KsTU led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh. The engagement brought together Deans, Heads of Department, and students, who participated in fruitful deliberations with Prof. Ramabodu on practical pathways for advancing mutual academic growth and institutional development.
Discussions centered on several strategic areas of cooperation, including postgraduate capacity building, joint research initiatives, academic mobility, and collaborative innovation. Particular attention was given to opportunities available through DUT's recently awarded South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chairs in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, as well as Mechanical Engineering. The initiative is expected to serve as a platform for the recruitment, training, and development of KsTU staff and students pursuing Master's and Doctoral studies.
The two institutions also explored mechanisms for strengthening joint research and co-supervision arrangements, with a focus on implementing intentional strategies for the co-supervision of postgraduate theses and the production of high-impact scholarly outputs.
Another key area of discussion was academic and student mobility. Both institutions expressed commitment to facilitating staff and student exchange programmes, short courses, and collaborative projects focusing on engineering solutions, construction innovation, sustainable built environments, and community engagement.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Ramabodu expressed his profound appreciation to the Management of KsTU for the warm reception and constructive engagements.
"The relationship between DUT and KsTU has immense potential to create opportunities for students and staff while advancing research that addresses African challenges," he noted.
Prof. F.K. Bondinuba emphasised that fostering robust institutional partnerships remains essential for promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and research excellence across the African continent. He noted that the outcomes of the visit have laid a strong foundation for expanding collaboration between the two institutions in ways that will benefit students, faculty, and society at large.
