Kumasi: The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced the introduction of a micro-credential course in Artificial Intelligence (AI) starting from the 2026/2027 academic year. This course will be available to students and staff members, offering flexible scheduling options to accommodate various study timelines, allowing participants to enroll at any point during their academic programs.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, made this announcement during the opening of the 11th KNUST Summer School in Kumasi. The course will be hosted on the university's E-Learning platforms, and its development aligns with both Ghana's National AI Strategy and KNUST's own AI Strategy, which was crafted after months of dedicated effort. The Academic Board has also approved the participation of staff and other members of the university community who wish to enhance their AI skills.
During her address, Prof Dickson emphasized the necessity for educational institutions to adapt to the evolving demands of AI in education. She highlighted the importance of addressing AI's extensive impact on research, teaching, learning, assessment, and administration on a global scale. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that these developments should be approached ethically and responsibly, reflecting the university's mission of transformation and development.
Dr Shafika Isaacs, UNESCO's Chief of Section for Technology and AI in Education, emphasized the need for educational institutions to engage with AI's complexities and embrace the challenges posed by technological transformation. She called for the prioritization of national and institutional AI policies and strategies to cultivate talent and proficiency in the field. Dr Isaacs also pointed out the significance of modifying pedagogy, curriculum design, and leadership development to effectively navigate the changing AI landscape.
