Representatives from some Denmark universities have visited KNUST to explore avenues to build a long - term partnership which would strengthen the human and institutional capacities of the participating universities.
The Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO), Professor Kwesi Obiri Danso, warmly received the delegation at the International Programmes Office and acknowledged the assistance that Denmark has given to Ghana particularly in the area of research and development. He noted how KNUST has built partnerships with other foreign universities through culture, tourism, research collaboration, staff and student exchange and capacity building. Professor Danso hinted on the Vice-Chancellor's approach to establish courses to educate, train and equip students with the expertise to manage the oil discovered in the country. He suggested that, the universities in Denmark could institute programmes as part of the collaboration for students in that respect. He mentioned that, KNUST has also partnered with some universities in Africa precisely South Africa, Senegal and Benin. He added that, currently, five PhD students are studying in various universities in Denmark.
The leader of the delegation, Mr. Erik Jeogesew of the Department of Fresh Water Ecology, Aarhus University, thanked Prof. K. Obiri Danso for the warm reception. Mr. E. Jeogesew assured that, the collaboration would build the skills of students and staff through a holistic and scientific training approach. He also revealed that, joint PhD programmes would be mounted through the partnership with KNUST.
The delegation paid a visit to the Department of Biological Sciences where they gave a detailed lecture on "Building Stronger Universities in Developing Countries: A proposed partnership between universities and research institutions in developing countries and Denmark".
The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice -Chancellor. They were received by the acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Donkor. The leader of the delegation, Mr. Erik Jeogesew discussed the benefits which would arise from the partnership. He said that, Denmark's main objective was to work with developing countries in capacity building especially with African Universities.
He emphasized that, the Denmark Universities in their fact finding mission, look forward to a long-lasting partnership where they would focus on growth and employment; environment and climate; health; natural science and economy. He indicated that, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Danida had approved of Denmark's approach to assist Ghana in the said areas. Mr. Erik Jeogesew said that, the Denmark universities would use the collaboration to develop PhD programmes.
Mr. Jorgen E. Olesen of the Department of Argroecology and Environment in Aarhus University, gave a detailed presentation on the areas the Denmark Universities would focus on. He mentioned PhD studies as a major platform which would inculcate high standards of research with joint supervision through the partnership. He assured that, there would be joint degrees as well as PhD scholarships. He also disclosed that, research with partial funding would be promoted; staff and students summer schools would be instituted to bridge racism.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor appreciated Denmark's initiative to partner with KNUST since the collaboration was another potential to increase the University's successes. He explained the Vice-Chancellor's vision for the University to the delegation and said that; the collaboration would champion his objectives especially in the development of PhD programmes. He advised that, the delegation should prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) where they would clearly state their objectives and the benefits that both parties would attain.
The Registrar, Mr. Kobby Yebo-Okrah revealed that, various foreign institutions had joint degrees with the University. He noted that, Denmark's partnership was in line with the University's objectives. He added that, Sandwich and Full time PhD and other Postgraduate programmes could be introduced.
Other members of the delegation were: Jens Chr. TSELL, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark; Carla H. Sminh, Department of Planning and Development, Aalborg University; Susanne Amsinch, Department of Fresh Water Ecology NERI, Aarhus University; Erik G. SeGaard , Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Environment Engineering, Aalborg University and Daniel A. Ankrah of the Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Environment Engineering, Aalborg University.
Members of staff of the Department of Biological Sciences present at the meeting with the delegation were Mr. William Oduro, Mr. Kyere Boateng, Mr. Edward Mensah and a representative from KNUST Sunyani Campus. Also, Professor Kwesi Obiri Danso and Miss Vanessa from IPO were present.
