On Thursday, July 24, 2025, a high-powered delegation from the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Benin, paid a courtesy visit to Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah, Dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The delegation was led by Professor Nelly Carine Kelome, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Interuniversity Cooperation Partnerships, included Professor Enoch Achigan and Mr. Alexandre Houedjoklunon.
Joining the delegation were two representatives from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at KNUST, Ms. Afia Ampomah Awuah and Mr. Daniel Quansah Bassaw, Programs Manager and Deputy Programs Manager respectively.
Ms. Awuah indicated that the purpose of the visit was to explore ways to strengthen and renew existing collaborations between KNUST and UAC, particularly within the framework of academic exchange, research cooperation, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Discussions centered on establishing a new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), as well as promoting faculty and student exchanges between the two institutions.
Professor Daniel Duah extended a warm welcome on behalf of the International Programmes Office and the entire university community. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships within the Global South, noting that while many of KNUST’s Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are with institutions in the Global North, strategic collaborations with African partners are crucial for shared growth and sustainable development.
Professor Duah highlighted the role of IPO in facilitating institutional partnerships and reiterated KNUST’s strong commitment to regional academic cooperation that supports innovation and capacity building.
In her response, Professor Nelly Carine Kelome expressed her excitement about the partnership and encouraged both parties to work diligently to ensure that the renewed collaboration yields impactful outcomes for both universities and their students.
Also present at the meeting were: Dr. Edward Kofi Adu Manyah, Senior Lecturer, Department of Language and Communications, Mrs. Yvonne Baiden, Senior Assistant Registrar; Mr. Karikari Gyimah Ankoana, Inbound and Outbound Exchange Officer; and Mr. Attah Nyame Esampong, Visibility and Communication Officer all from the International Programmes Office.
The visit marked a significant milestone in South-South academic engagement and reinforced both institutions’ commitment to long-term cooperation that bridges language, borders, and disciplines.
