The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has engaged SIC Insurance PLC on opportunities to deepen the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, with particular emphasis on internships, mentorship and industry exposure for students.
During the engagement, the Managing Director of SIC Insurance PLC, Mr James Agyenim-Boateng, and his delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, to congratulate him on his investiture as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of KNUST and reaffirm the company’s commitment to supporting the University.
Professor Agyare expressed appreciation to SIC Insurance PLC for its longstanding partnership and contributions to the University, particularly its support for the Support One Needy Student with One Laptop (SONSOL) Initiative, which seeks to help students facing challenges in accessing essential digital learning resources.
“Your support is really appreciated, and we hope that you continue to increase the number of laptops for these brilliant but needy students,” Professor Agyare remarked.
Beyond the existing support, the Vice-Chancellor proposed an expansion of the partnership to provide students with structured internship opportunities at SIC Insurance PLC. He said such placements would expose students to practical industry experience and provide them with a better understanding of the expectations of the workplace.
“We would also appeal to you to support our students with internships, accepting our students in the various departments in your company to offer some internship opportunities and mentorship as well,” Professor Agyare said.
He explained that the proposed internships could be extended across relevant departments of the company, allowing students to gain practical knowledge of the insurance and business environment while developing competencies relevant to their future careers.
Professor Agyare also proposed that professionals from SIC Insurance PLC be engaged as resource persons and mentors for KNUST students through seminars, workshops and virtual engagements.
According to him, closer interaction with industry would provide students with first-hand knowledge of developments outside the campus and help prepare them for the competitive employment environment.
“In the job market, you need to be well prepared, so we need to ensure that the graduates that we churn out for industry are well-prepared and can live up to expectations,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasised the importance of feedback from industry in ensuring that KNUST graduates possess skills that meet the changing demands of the workplace.
Responding to the proposals, Mr Agyenim-Boateng reaffirmed SIC Insurance PLC’s willingness to strengthen its engagement with KNUST and make its expertise available to support student development.
“Our message is simple: we will give you the same, if not better support,” he assured the Vice-Chancellor.
He said SIC Insurance PLC recognised the importance of bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical industry experience, adding that the company was prepared to support universities in producing graduates who are better prepared for the world of work.
“As a company, management and the Board have also resolved that we help bridge the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what a real practical situation is,” he said.
Mr Agyenim-Boateng added that SIC Insurance PLC was prepared to make its personnel available for seminars, workshops and lectures whenever required by the University.
“At your pleasure, and at your request, we will avail all that is available and in our hands to your institution to shape your students and connect them to industry,” he said.
The Managing Director of SIC Insurance PLC and his delegation wished Professor Agyare “wisdom, strength and great success” as he leads KNUST.
Professor Agyare welcomed SIC Insurance PLC’s continued commitment and reiterated the University’s readiness to sustain and strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions.
Story: Abigail Ofori Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
