Alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi have been charged to deepen their mentorship of students and strengthen partnerships between academia and industry to drive innovation and development.
The call was made during the opening ceremony of the first-ever Global Alumni Homecoming, which brought together alumni, faculty, management, and students of the university.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson commended the former students for their contributions to solving real-world problems in Ghana and abroad.
“We are proud of you, our diligent Teknokrats, who are solving real-world problems. You remain the centrepiece of our story, our agents of change, and the pride of this great institution,” she said.
Professor Dickson underscored the importance of alumni efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry, stressing that their continued collaboration with the university was key to improving student training, enhancing research uptake, and commercialising innovation.
“This is how we can ensure the relevance and lasting impact of our cutting-edge research. Let us continue to take the gown to town,” she urged.
The Chairman of the University Council, Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, also called on alumni to help propel KNUST from “excellence to eminence.” He announced the launch of the KNUST Innovation Moonshot Fund (KNUST IMF), designed to support high-risk, high-reward projects that address pressing challenges in Ghana and across Africa.
“The transformation of KNUST depends on your continued support,” the Council Chairman said. “Now is the time to turn our legacy into lasting impact.”
Dr. Ben Asante, former CEO of the Ghana National Gas Company, called for longer, structured internship programmes and stronger industry-academia collaborations.
“Schools must ensure that their programmes remain relevant to corporate needs, and industry must value intellectual discourse and research for its sustainability,” he said.
Dr. Asante also encouraged a mindset shift towards valuing higher education not merely as a symbol of prestige but as a tool for developing expertise and problem-solving skills. He advised students to respect diverse perspectives and focus on how they make others feel in their professional interactions.
He concluded by challenging alumni to contribute their expertise, resources, and networks towards strengthening KNUST, stating that their involvement is critical to aligning the university’s output with industry demands and positioning the institution for greater global impact.
The Global President of the KNUST Alumni Association, Herman Yobo Addae described the homecoming as a pivotal moment anchored on mentorship, university relations, funding, and enhancing KNUST’s image. He expressed hope that the event would inspire more alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and contribute to its growth.
Hackman Owusu Agyemang spoke on the spirit of giving back, charging members of the KNUST Alumni Association to remain committed to supporting the institution that shaped their lives and careers. He emphasised that sustained alumni contributions are vital to strengthening the university’s capacity to train future leaders.
“We have to keep working and support the association to support the university,” he urged, calling for collective action to ensure KNUST’s continued growth and impact.
A panel discussion also explored ways to strengthen collaboration between alumni, faculty, and industry to better prepare KNUST graduates for the evolving demands of the job market. The panel featured Eric Osei, Managing Director of SYSMEX West and Central Africa; Professor Kwabena Britwum-Nyarko, Provost of the College of Engineering; Professor Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Lillian Kissi, Human Resource Manager at Prudential Bank.
The speakers highlighted the need for practical training, curriculum alignment with industry needs, and stronger mentorship to ensure graduates are well-equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic workforce.
