KNUST Alumni Encouraged to Enhance Mentorship and Industry Partnerships

Kumasi: Alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have been charged to deepen their mentorship of students and strengthen partnerships between academia and industry to drive innovation and development. Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, acknowledged the efforts of the school's alumni but emphasized that ongoing collaboration is essential for improving student training, enhancing research, and commercializing innovations.According to Ghana News Agency, during the opening ceremony of the maiden TEK Alumni Homecoming 2025, Prof. Dickson described the alumni as 'the centerpiece of our story, agents of change and the pride of this great institution.' She praised their contributions to solving real-world problems not only in Ghana but globally. She urged the alumni to continue taking the "gown to town" to ensure the relevance and lasting impact of KNUST's cutting-edge research.Prof. Dickson further encouraged the alumni to push the boundaries of knowled ge and discovery, nurturing both innovations and future-ready communities. She highlighted the importance of building a legacy that will inspire future generations and keep KNUST aligned with its mission and purpose.Akyamfuo Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu, the Chairman of the University Council, called on alumni to help propel KNUST from 'excellence to eminence.' He noted the university's distinction in quality innovations, research, and discoveries on a global scale and suggested that additional support from alumni could elevate the school further.The Chairman also announced the launch of the KNUST Innovation Moonshot Fund, aimed at supporting high-risk, high-reward projects addressing pressing challenges in Ghana and across Africa. Dr. Ben K. D. Asante, former CEO of the Ghana National Gas Company, advocated for longer, structured internship programs and stronger industry-academia collaborations. He emphasized the need for educational programs to remain relevant to corporate needs and for industry to valu e intellectual discourse and research for sustainability.Dr. Asante also advised students to respect diverse perspectives and focus on positive professional interactions, suggesting that higher education should be valued not merely as a symbol of prestige but as a tool for developing expertise and problem-solving skills.