Photo: VSU and KNUST representatives signing the historic partnership / © Manhyia Palace
Virginia State University (VSU), one of America’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) founded in 1882, formalized a landmark international partnership with Ghana’s premier science and technology university, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The partnership was sealed through a high-level ceremony where VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah joined His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST, in a powerful visit of African royalty and American academia.
According to an official release from VSU’s Office of Communications and University Relations seen by Washington-DC-based media and research firm – TheAfricanDream Consultancy – the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening VSU’s global engagement and expanding opportunities for international collaboration.
The release, titled “VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY FORMALIZES PARTNERSHIP WITH GHANA’S KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY” confirms the framework to create new opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, leadership development, and cross-cultural learning experiences.
Speaking on the significance, Dr. Lisa M. Hopson, Executive Director of VSU’s Global Leadership and Talent Development, said:
“This MOU represents a pathway for global leadership development for faculty and students. Through the exchange of ideas and collaborative research initiatives, we can begin to establish a truly global perspective that engages the world with purpose. At Virginia State University, Greater Happens Here.”
Dr. Daniel M. Roberts, Founding Dean of the Dr. Charlie W. Hill Honors College and Senior International Officer at VSU, who has been instrumental in driving VSU’s Africa engagements, added:
“Our students live in an interconnected global environment. The connections we create beyond the classroom will benefit all.” and “VSU looks forward to working with our colleagues in Ghana and expanding research initiatives that will benefit both institutions.”
Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, speaking to TheAfricanDream Consultancy at the event praised the leadership role played by the Asantehene in fostering the partnership and expressed confidence in the KNUST’s readiness to translate the Memorandum of Understanding into tangible outcomes.
Photo: His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at the historic partnership / © TheAfricanDream.co
“We are deeply grateful to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting excellence in education and international collaboration. His efforts in bringing Virginia State University and KNUST together reflect his enduring dedication to creating transformative opportunities for young people across continents.
“KNUST is fully prepared to work closely with our colleagues at VSU to ensure that the objectives of this Memorandum of Understanding are translated into impactful collaborations in research, innovation, faculty and student exchanges, leadership development, and community engagement for the mutual benefit of both institutions,” disclosed the Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Founded in the 1950s, KNUST is one of Africa’s leading institutions for science and technology education. The new agreement reinforces KNUST’s commitment to global initiatives while creating opportunities for joint research, educational programming, and academic engagement.
The initiative is being coordinated through the Dr. George H. Bennett Office for International Education within the Division for Global Leadership and Talent Development.
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, resplendent in authentic Kente cloth, witnessed the occasion alongside Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith and other high-ranking Chiefs and officials from the Asante Kingdom.
Also in attendance was the current Council Chair of KNUST, Akyamfoɔ Asafo Boakye Agyemang‑Bonsu, who serves as the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council. He is also the Asafohene.
This MOU follows earlier engagements led by President Abdullah and KNUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, and positions both universities to collaborate in critical areas including Data Science, Agriculture, and Artificial Intelligence.
Source: TheAfricanDream Consultancy
