The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Land-use (WASCAL CCLU) at the College of Engineering of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi welcomes the Sixth cohort of students.
The WASCAL Graduate Studies Programme supports and facilitates academic education amongst West African universities in association with German counterpart institutions. Its activities focus on training doctoral and Master's students.
Each year, WASCAL-CCLU welcomes students from different countries across West Africa. This year, students were welcomed from 11 different West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Niger, Senegal, The Gambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Mali.
Speaking at the opening address, the Director of WASCAL, Professor Wilson Agyei Agyare, admonished the students to be disciplined in their studies for maximum impact.
“KNUST, our mantra is quality, and we have been able to ensure that throughout our WASCAL program. We also look out for discipline in students,” he said.
The Provost of the College of Engineering, Professor Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, urged the students to adhere to the plan, develop life-changing solutions, and build resilience in the face of hardships.
“Let me be honest with you. This journey will not be easy. Postgraduate studies are demanding, and the issues you will be working on are complex. There will be times when you will question yourself, when the data won’t align, or when the pressure feels overwhelming. At those times, remember why you are here. Remember that the knowledge and solutions you develop could change lives, influence policy, and strengthen resilience across West Africa," he encouraged.
Professor Nyarko also admonished them to build meaningful networks to create a foundation for regional cooperation and innovation.
“Beyond your coursework and research, I want to stress the importance of building relationships. You are here with colleagues from across West Africa, each bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and insights. Value this diversity and collaborate. These friendships and professional networks will outlast your time here and become part of the foundation for regional cooperation and innovation,” he shared.
Superintendent Rebecca Yeboah, from the Ghana Immigration Service, took the students through the various rules governing their stay in Ghana and entreated them to do well to comply with them. She, as well, admonished them to be well abreast of the procedures of their study permits and visas.
Superintendent Yeboah commended KNUST for organising this orientation to keep the students informed. She also assured the students of the continuous support of KNUST.
Mr. Omar TOP, a student from Senegal, praised the WASCAL scholarship program for allowing him the opportunity to pursue his dreams and aspirations, and also contribute his quota towards the fight against environmental destruction.
“This is an opportunity for me to learn new skills and competence to find some solutions to fight against how human activity destroys our environment,” he shared.
The Directorate of Students Affairs (DoSA), the International Programs Office (IPO), the KNUST Counselling Centre (KCC), the departments the students belong to, and other offices within the University Community also educated the students on other specific areas.
