The newly appointed Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST), Professor Ke Ningli has shared plans for future collaboration particularly in research and innovation with KNUST and the Chinese partner university, Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT) with a renewed focus on New Energy research and capacity building.
“We have successfully sent in funding application to the Chinese government to support the building of a research laboratory focusing on engineering and new energy.”
Professor Ningli shared this during a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson at the Council Chamber.
According to him, the initiative aligns with global efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon footprints through science, technology and innovation.
“This is not just about funding, but about putting research into practice,” he said. “We hope to elevate our cooperation to a higher level and ensure that this collaboration delivers tangible outcomes for both universities.”
Expressing his appreciation for the warm reception, the Director described KNUST as a welcoming environment.
“We feel very comfortable here. We love the campus and we appreciate the environment created for us,” he said.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Dickson, expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the two institutions, describing it as impactful and mutually beneficial.
‘‘KNUST has always believed in result-oriented partnerships. We believe that as an international institution, we are training international professionals,’’ she said. “When a partnership is working and yielding positive results, there is no reason to stop,’’ she added. ‘‘The University is happy to have you on board and looks forward to strengthening our collaboration to improve research, innovation and service to humanity.”
The Vice-Chancellor assured the Director of the University’s support for the initiative, including the provision of space and the necessary institutional backing to ensure the successful implementation of the laboratory. She emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue in addressing challenges that may arise.
“When there are issues, we must sit around the table and talk. If we talk, we will find solutions, and that is how institutions grow,” Professor Dickson said.
Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah, the Ghanaian Director of the Institute also indicated plans to engage the College of Engineering and other academic units at KNUST to expand joint research, teaching and innovation activities across disciplines.
