A delegation from South Africa’s Durban University of Technology, DUT, has paid a working visit to Takoradi Technical University, TTU.
The visit which was facilitated by TTU’s International Programmes and External Linkages Office, IPELO, was aimed at strengthening the relationship and partnership between TTU and DUT, which was established through a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, by the two institutions.
It also served as an engagement opportunity for the visiting delegation and TTU staff on avenues for higher learning at DUT.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, emphasized the positive impact of the partnership with DUT on staff capacity building.
“This partnership has been particularly impactful in the area of staff development. To date, we are proud to note that 13 of our staff members have successfully graduated, with several others currently enrolled in PhD programmes. This achievement is a direct result of the unwavering support and commitment from DUT, and for this, we are profoundly grateful,” he said.
Rev. Prof. Eshun also highlighted the broader impact of the partnership on the University.
“The impact of this collaboration has strengthened the academic and research capacity of our University, enriched our intellectual community, and contributed to the overall development of higher education in our region. The knowledge and skills acquired by our staff through this partnership are being transferred to our students and are helping to shape the next generation of leaders and innovators,” he added.
While also appreciating DUT’s unwavering support and commitment to providing opportunities for TTU staff to acquire and enrich their knowledge, Director of TTU’s IPELO, Prof. Solomon Abekah Keelson, emphasised that the collaboration is a commitment to advancing global education.
“The collaboration between our institutions represents more than just the exchange of knowledge. It is a shared commitment to advancing global education and fostering an environment where learning transcends borders. Through your partnership, we have been able to cultivate an environment where our faculty and students can push the boundaries of their research, contribute to the global body of knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.
A high point of the engagement event was the various presentations on opportunities at DUT and feedback by TTU staff who enrolled in PhD programmes in their respective fields of study at DUT.
Director of DUT’s International Education and Partnerships, Dr. Lavern Samuels, giving highlights of its “Envision 2023” project, that seeks to promote comprehensive and inclusive internationalization.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at DUT, Prof. S. Rathilal, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Prof. G. Muchunu, and Prof. S. Singh, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at DUT, led insightful presentations on topics related to their respective faculties with the aimed to help TTU staff identify their needs and interests to explore potential areas of opportunity.
Former Director of IPELO, Prof. Efua Nkrumah whose leadership begun the discussions and signing of the DUT-TTU agreement, while highlighting the successes so far, advised for the creation of a steering Board with membership from both institutions to deal with issues of the relationship.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Applied Management, Prof. A. Agbenyegah, who was hailed as facilitating the successes achieved from the DUT and TTU partnership, advised TTU staff who have enrolled in a field of study at DUT to work hard, collaborate and encourage others to join DUT for their PhD programmes.
“Form your own study groups where you can discuss your problems and issues. If you have a problem, encourage someone to channel it to your supervisor. Another important thing is to write something every day. All of these will help you finish your course on time. We are here to assist you. Join us, be part of us, and you will become a noble person in TTU,” he advised.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the 15 visiting DUT delegation in recognition of their unwavering commitment and hard work in shaping the academic growth of TTU staff and the entire University.
The DUT delegation also had a special deliberation with the Vice Chancellor of TTU and his management members on how to advance the partnership.
