The two public universities in the Bono Region, Sunyani Technical University (STU) and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on areas of mutual interest to contribute to the development of the Region.
The potential areas of collaboration, as captured in the MoU, include joint research activities, publications and scientific dissemination, undergraduate students’ activities, affiliation of academic programmes, joint supervision of postgraduate students’ thesis and dissertations, a joint application for research funding and facilitating access to laboratories, workshops and libraries as well as an exchange of students and staff, among others.
The Vice-Chancellor of STU, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah noted that the two institutions of higher learning have several things in common which could form the basis for the partnership. “We have so many things in common. First of all, we are the giant universities in the Bono Region that are already working hand in hand to help develop the Region. Currently, some members of our faculties are pursuing PhD programmes in UENR. I am also aware that UENR has been bringing students here for laboratory work. So, we are already collaborating”, he stressed.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako noted that the best way to advance in various aspects of human endeavour today is through collaboration. “We’re in the era of collaboration. Even in developed countries, no university can do it all alone so the keyword is ‘collaboration’ and in the case of UENR and STU, it’s quite appropriate. We’re the only two public universities in the erstwhile Brong Ahafo region and it’s quite appropriate that we work together”, he explained.
Moderating the signing ceremony, the Registrar of Sunyani Technical University, Mr Samuel Ankama Obour urged the two parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement and avoid a situation whereby parties go to sleep after all the pomp and pageantry associated with the signing of such agreements.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Deans, Directors and other senior management members of the two institutions.
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