The Managing Director of Africa Programs and International Science and Technology Initiatives at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Ari Jacobovits, as part of strengthening the collaboration between MIT and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson. Accompanied by Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, the Provost of the College of Engineering, KNUST and Professor Jerry John Kponyo, the Dean of Quality Assurance and Planning Office, KNUST, Ari Jacobovits was received on the 29th June 2023.

During the meeting, Ari Jacobovits provided an overview of MIT, highlighting its student population of approximately 11,000. He emphasised that MIT offers tailored programme packages for students, including opportunities for research, summer internships, and professional development for  its staff. Furthermore, he mentioned that MIT collaborates closely with public entities and universities worldwide.

With a focus on strengthening the partnership between MIT and KNUST, Ari Jacobovits proposed initiatives such as student-staff exchange programmes and joint research projects. He also introduced the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP), which is a highly regarded programme that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research alongside faculty members and graduate students. It also allows students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world research projects.

In addition, he suggested the idea of staff members of MIT lecturing KNUST students online, a concept which was endorsed by Professor (Mrs.) Dickson.

Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko proposed the idea that young faculty members from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology could participate in a specialised training program at (MIT) for a duration of six months. This proposal, he said, will provide these faculty members with an opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise in the academic and research environment at MIT.

Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed her enthusiasm for the student and staff exchange programme, emphasising the importance of students gaining exposure through international travels and networking with other students for mutual benefits. She highlighted the vast possibilities such collaborations could offer, encouraging both institutions to actively explore opportunities for their mutual benefit.