Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, welcomed a delegation from University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) for a five-day engagement chaired by Prof. William Otto-Ellis, Chairperson for the Executive advisory Board (EAB). The meeting aimed at deepening a longstanding regional academic alliance and spotlighting inclusive scholar support systems.
The UAC faculty led by Prof. Nelly Carlne Kelome, Prof. Enoch Achigan Dako, and Alexandre Houedjoklounon, met with KNUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson to revive adormant 2008 partnership. “If you want to go far, go together,” Dickson said, affirming KNUST’s commitment to cross-border education.
Delegates toured KNUST’s eLearning center, where 30% of instructional content is delivered online. Strategic presentations were done by the units under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST outlining the Program’s ecosystem, which has supported over 30,000 young Africans since 2014. The Program Manager, Miss Ampomah Awuah detailed integrated services ranging from recruitment to alumni engagement, with transparent selection across 22 African countries including Ghana.
Highlights included Psychosocial Support frameworks, Communication and branding of the Program, Community Engagement and Mentorship Program (CEMP), offering seed funding and career tracking. Recruitment involved rigorous 6-9 months process spanning all 16 regions of Ghana and 21 African countries. Records revealed almost 70.5% of graduates are employed, 6.7% enrolled in Postgraduate programs and 13.3% are entrepreneurs.
UAC delegates also spotlighted their own successes, including 100 business launches and 60 formal jobs created. Their recruitment integrates academic and social scoring, with alumni involved in community impact projects. “We are ready to learn. We still have room to grow,” said Prof. Dako, acknowledging KNUST’s operational strength.
Digital transformation featured prominently in the Mastercard Foundation e-learning Initiative at KNUST. Over 440 faculty and students trained in instructional design, producing 137 online courses and piloting certified e-counseling. KNUST upgraded campus bandwidth to 30Gbps, enabling connectivity for 85,000 students. In-house systems now manage registration, certification, and mental health support.
Mr. Afful director of University Information and Technology Service (UITS)
P.I, Mastercard Foundation e-Learning Initiative at KNUST, Mr. Courage Julius Logah.
The delegation explored academic exchange opportunities at KNUST’s International Programs Office. Program Manager, Miss Afia Ampomah Awuah noted valuable insights gained from programs such as the bridge and pre-employment initiatives, with plans to adapt similar models to support international students and mentorship efforts.
UAC representatives praised KNUST’s Data Science Centre and mentorship models as inspiration after their visit to the center. “It felt like being in a movie,” said Houedjoklounon. The team emphasised the importance of sharing outcomes with the Mastercard Foundation.
Cultural tour across Ashanti heritage sites (Manhyia Palace Museum and Bonwire kente weaving center)
The visit concluded with a cultural tour across Ashanti heritage sites, including the Manhyia Palace Museum and Bonwire kente weaving center, offering delegates historical grounding and shared cultural pride.
UAC extended an invitation to KNUST for a return exchange in Benin, capping off a week of regional synergy and visionary education reform.