The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), is hosting the 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Technical Workshop of the Ghanaian Academic and Research Network (GARNET). It has brought together information technology professionals, university leaders and international partners to strengthen digital infrastructure, foster institutional collaboration and enhance network management across higher education institutions.
Organised by the University's Information Technology Services (UITS), the programme is equipping participants with practical skills in network monitoring, cybersecurity, bandwidth optimisation and the application of international standards for managing academic and research networks.
Deputy Director of UITS and Coordinator of the GARNET Local Organising Committee, Mr. Abraham Brew-Sam, said KNUST was honoured to host the event, noting that it also provided an opportunity to showcase the University's advanced digital ecosystem.
"We want participants not only to benefit from the workshop but also to experience the KNUST campus and see the high-quality ICT infrastructure we have built over the years," he said.
The workshop has attracted participants from universities and research institutions across Ghana, as well as delegates from Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Nigeria and the United States. Mr. Brew-Sam said the programme is strengthening participants' capacity in IT security while creating opportunities for regional collaboration and the exchange of expertise in higher education technology.
"The focus is on building competencies in IT security, network monitoring and the application of international best practices for managing university networks," he stated.
With the various skills the event is set to provide the participants with, Mr. Brew-Sam noted that it is essential for universities to manage their digital infrastructure effectively, improve network performance and protect their systems from cybersecurity risks and regulatory challenges.
He added that delegates would tour key ICT facilities, including the UITS Data Centre, to gain first-hand insight into the technologies supporting teaching, learning, research and administration at the University.
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