The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has engaged the National Service Authority (NSA) to explore practical solutions to challenges affecting students and strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.
The meeting focused on concerns surrounding national service placement and management, communication with students and the implementation of an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KNUST and the NSA.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Christian Agyare stressed the importance of closer collaboration in addressing operational challenges.
“We need to collaborate because the regional offices and the head office are at the center of the working process,” he said.
Professor Agyare said while some concerns might require adjustments to the existing system, others could be addressed through improved communication and engagement with students.
“Knowing where you are coming from, there should be room for adjustment,” he said, adding that the University had received several concerns about difficulties in addressing students’ issues.
The Vice-Chancellor called for earlier engagement with students, particularly those in their second and third years, to help them understand national service requirements and prepare adequately.
“As part of your engagement, I would prefer you to engage the students, maybe at the third year, or even second year, so that they know what is right, or what are the requirements, so that they prepare themselves,” he said.
Professor Agyare also called for regular communication and periodic assessments to sustain the partnership.
“This visit shouldn’t be a one-time visit. Since we are collaborating, we should meet and assess ourselves as working together, how we can improve this relationship, and then get in touch with you,” he said.
Emmanuel Reagan Fynn, Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Authority, acknowledged the concerns raised and said efforts were being made to identify appropriate solutions.
He said the matter had previously been referred to the Authority’s legal team, which made recommendations.
“Last year, the IT team arrived to settle it, and today we are here, trying to identify what is the solution,” he said.
The meeting also reviewed progress on the MoU between KNUST and the NSA. Professor Agyare requested a report on the agreement and work undertaken so far to guide further discussions on its implementation.
“After that, you should get me the report of the MOU, and then your end to what you’ve been able to do, so that the next meeting we can see how we can implement what is in the MOU,” he said.
The collaboration, which also involves the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was identified as an opportunity to support maintenance activities and promote the effective use of University facilities.
Professor Agyare commended the NSA delegation and the University’s information technology team for working to identify practical solutions to the challenges.
Story: Ama Pokuaa Mensah Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
