The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) Professor Christian Agyare, has called for sustained alumni engagement to support student mentorship, career development and the University’s ambition to move from excellence to eminence.
He made the call during a courtesy visit by speakers at the fifth edition of the Nyansapo Dialogue Series: Okyeame Kwame (Kwame Nsiah-Apau), Professor Priscilla Kolibea Mante and Dr. Ebenezer Jones-Mensah.
The speakers met University Management following their engagement with students to express appreciation for its support for the series and explore opportunities for continued collaboration.
The Assistant Registrar at the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office (AARO), Ms. Anita Akua Kyerewaa Kuma, said the University hoped to build on these relationships to connect students with accomplished alumni for mentorship and professional guidance.
Professor Agyare thanked the speakers for sharing their experiences, saying their personal stories could help students navigate academic and personal challenges.
“As you are aware, the University is moving from excellence to eminence. That is where we need people like you to help us get there, especially inspiring the students for them to know that that is where we are going,” he said.
He urged AARO to identify alumni who could contribute to the University’s development through mentorship, internships, virtual engagements and support for projects within colleges, faculties and departments.
Such engagements would enable alumni, including those living abroad, to remain connected to the University and support student development, he added.
Dr. Jones-Mensah welcomed the call and expressed his readiness to support KNUST. He said discussions were underway to establish a North American alumni network covering the United States and Canada to strengthen connections among graduates and create opportunities for collaboration.
“We are thinking of starting a North America chapter, breaking it down with the East Coast, North Coast, and Canada, to see, to establish that relationship,” he said.
He also stressed the need to prepare student leaders for life beyond university, saying their leadership experience should translate into meaningful contributions to society after they leave office.
Dr. Jones-Mensah reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the University, describing his decision to attend KNUST as one of the best he had made.
Story: Belinda Opoku Danso
