Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has initiated steps to strengthen collaboration with its global alumni body as part of efforts to drive institutional growth and long-term development.
The Global KNUST Alumni Association organised an Alumni–University Strategy Alignment Workshop aimed at strengthening coordination between the Association and the University’s strategic priorities.
The engagement sought to develop a shared strategy and action plan for alumni engagement and collaboration, while deepening partnerships to support the University’s long-term development.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, underscored the central role of alumni in advancing the University’s vision.
“As a university, we always believe one thing: that there is no way you are able to have a formidable, strong university without a formidable, strong alumni. The stronger our alumni, the stronger our university,” she said.
She explained that the workshop was designed to strengthen alignment between the Alumni Association and the University, develop a shared strategy and action plan, and deepen partnerships that advance institutional goals.
“Everything we will be doing here today is not for the alumni, it is for the university,” she added.
Registrar Mr. Benjamin Boampong Owusu announced plans to establish an Alumni Board to coordinate alumni activities and advancement relations. The proposed board will comprise representatives from the alumni body, University management and staff.
“Sometimes when we all come together as a board, we can make decisions together,” he said.
He noted that the Alumni Advancement Relations Office Board would streamline operations and enhance alumni engagement. According to him, the alumni officer will be assigned a defined job description, with the board ensuring that alumni activities are aligned with the University’s strategic direction.
Global President of the KNUST Alumni Association, Dr. Herman Yobo Addae, said the workshop would help align the Association’s strategic objectives with those of the University and clarify operational collaboration.
“Sometimes it feels like a different moving part, and it makes the forward movement a little difficult,” he said.
He stressed that a university’s strength is closely tied to the achievements of its alumni.
“Every university is as strong as its alumni; if you do not have notable alumni out there doing great stuff, nobody will respect your university. You are as great as your alumni are,” he said.
Dr. Addae said the new strategy would be built on four pillars under the acronym MUFI: membership, recruitment and engagement; advancing university relations; funding options; and image projection.
The alignment initiative, he added, is expected to streamline efforts, improve coordination and accelerate progress in alumni mobilisation and institutional advancement.
By: Ama Pokuaa Mensah Photos: Michael Kwawu
