A delegation from the College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has called for closer collaboration among African universities on admissions and student mobility, as part of efforts to strengthen academic success and graduate employability.
The seven-member team joined participants from 43 institutions across 13 African countries at the 2026 West Africa Hub Convening in Lomé, Togo, organised by The Education Collaborative.
The meeting, held under the theme “Student First: Rethinking Support Systems, Campus Life and Academic Success in African Higher Education Institutions,” brought together higher education leaders, policymakers and scholars to explore reforms in student support systems.
Togo’s Education Minister, Tafo Tchangbedji, urged universities to adopt student-centred approaches, describing higher education as central to Africa’s development.
“Universities play a critical role in shaping the future of African youth,” he said, calling for innovation in systems that improve learning outcomes.
Presenting on admissions and enrolment, Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, College Registrar proposed that African universities share data on admission trends and develop policies for credit transfer across institutions.
He said such measures would support inter- and intra-African student mobility, allowing students to gain broader academic and cultural exposure.
The KNUST team also showcased a poster on developing industry-ready graduates, highlighting student support systems designed to ease transition into university life and prepare students for employment.
A fireside discussion led by Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University, and Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities, examined how improved employability data could inform university leadership and strengthen industry partnerships.
Discussions throughout the convening focused on employability, inclusive education, student mental health and sustainable financing models for higher education.
Participants agreed on the need to place students at the centre of institutional policies, with outcomes including commitments to strengthen collaboration across West African universities and prioritise student wellbeing and entrepreneurship.
The KNUST delegation comprised:
- Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo – Deputy Registrar (Lead), College of Engineering
- Dr. Frank Ofori Agyemang – Senior Lecturer, Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
- Ms. Akua Afriyie Addae – Counsellor, College of Engineering
- Mrs. Elizabeth Maame Esi Amissah – Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
- Ms. Judith Nana Agyeman-Prempeh – Junior Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mr. George Ansong – Chief Technician
- Mrs. Grace Asare-Nkansah – Principal Administrative Assistant, Provost Office, College of Engineering
