The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), is exploring opportunities for student and staff exchanges and joint research with Norwegian universities following a visit by Mr Joseph Kyei-Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of a Norway-based organisation.

Mr Kyei-Boateng, a KNUST alumnus, said his organisation aimed to facilitate partnerships between Ghanaian institutions and their Norwegian counterparts, beginning with KNUST.

He said the proposed exchanges would enable students and staff from both countries to gain international experience, share knowledge and learn from partner institutions.

“We want to explore opportunities in Norway that we can also benefit from as a country. We believe it is important for KNUST to share in these opportunities, particularly through exchange cooperation,” he said.

The exchanges would include academic and administrative staff, with opportunities to learn from the practices of institutions such as the University of Oslo, he said.

Mr Kyei-Boateng said his organisation would identify suitable partner institutions, initiate discussions and assist with funding applications to relevant Norwegian agencies, including the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, welcomed the proposal, saying it aligned with KNUST’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships under its Plan 2K35 strategic framework.

He said the initiative supported the University’s objective of promoting South-South and North-South collaboration through partnerships that benefit students, faculty and other staff.

“Our key focus is on student and staff exchange. In addition, we are keen on identifying potential researchers and faculty members with whom we can establish research collaborations,” he stated.

Professor Agyare said the proposed partnership should extend beyond academic staff to include other categories of employees. International exposure and professional development, he said, would support the University’s vision of moving from excellence to eminence.

He also highlighted opportunities for research in areas relevant to Ghana’s development. Citing Norway’s management of its natural resources, particularly its oil sector, he said KNUST could benefit from knowledge-sharing and research collaboration with Norwegian institutions.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed interest in student internships and international funding opportunities to broaden students’ learning experiences.

He said KNUST was ready to pursue the proposal and called for a memorandum of understanding to set out the responsibilities of both parties, expected outcomes, timelines and key activities.