The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Ms. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), to use their expertise, professional networks and resources to advance industrialisation through research and innovation.
Ms. Ofosu-Adjare, a KNUST alumna, said graduates had a key role in connecting university research to industry, creating opportunities for young graduates and developing local solutions to national challenges.
She was addressing the 14th Global Biennial Congress and Alumni Homecoming, held under the theme, “KNUST Day to Global Eminence: The Transformative Role of Alumni.”
“The question before us is not whether KNUST has earned eminence. The question is, what will the alumni now do with it?” she asked.
Ms. Ofosu-Adjare said KNUST’s history was closely linked to Ghana’s industrial development, noting that the university was established to train the skilled professionals needed to build the nation.
She highlighted graduates’ contributions to engineering, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research and entrepreneurship, but said stronger collaboration among the university, alumni, businesses and government was needed to translate academic excellence into industrial growth.
The minister identified opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, technology transfer and product development. She urged businesses to work with researchers and students on solutions to practical challenges.
She also encouraged alumni in business and industry to mentor students, provide practical training opportunities and support promising innovations through investment, partnerships and access to markets.
Closer collaboration between academia and industry would help turn research into commercially viable products, strengthen local manufacturing and create opportunities for young people, she said.
Ms. Ofosu-Adjare called for sustained support for the university’s research and innovation initiatives and the development of an alumni endowment fund to finance infrastructure, research and student support.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, urged alumni to support KNUST’s ambition of attaining global eminence through research collaborations, industry partnerships, mentorship, employment opportunities and financial contributions.
He appealed for support to complete the hostel project initiated by the alumni association, saying it would improve student accommodation and campus life.
Prof Agyare also called for assistance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, saying financial difficulties should not prevent deserving students from completing their education.
“Let us move beyond promises to action, beyond nostalgia to investment, and beyond celebrating our legacy to actively building it,” he said.
The President of the KNUST Global Alumni Association, Dr Herman Yobo Addae, urged members to cultivate a lasting culture of giving and contribute to the university’s development.
He said alumni could use their professional connections, resources and experience to mentor students, create career opportunities, support research and attract investment and partnerships to strengthen KNUST’s global standing.
Story: Eunice Asare Photos: Edwin Opoku-Agyemang
