General News of Thursday, 31 May 2012Source: Focus fm TO AID STUDENTS SEEK HIGHER EDUCATION IN US

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in alliance with University of Michigan is holding a one week conference at the KNUST International Centre for Innovative Learning (ICIL). The programme which ends on 2nd June, 2012 is aimed at supporting students who wish to pursue higher education in the USA.

The seminar is conducted by representatives from the University of Michigan, KNUST International Programs Office, the US Embassy and other Ghana agencies that provide services to students interested in studying abroad.

The goal of the workshop is to inform students of opportunities, challenges and procedures involved in seeking graduate admission as well as nurturing emerging Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholars on the continent coupled with advance research collaborations in partnering institutions in Africa.

Mrs Vanessa Appiah is the Assistant Registrar at the KNUST International Programs Office. In an interview with Focus fm, she stated that, “this particular conference grows out of a larger collaboration joining the University of Michigan with several leading universities in Africa and aims to share some of the current scientific research happening of significance to Africa contexts and advancing knowledge in Science and Technology for sustainable development in Africa”.

Dr. Rebecca Hardew is a Researcher at the University of Michigan. She expressed her excitement about the programme to Focus fm and disclosed that as part of the objectives they will ensure a fruitful partnership with KNUST in the field of Science and Technology for students who are willing to pursue higher education. According to her, after studying in Central Africa, Kenya, and South Africa, she is gradually getting to know Ghana better.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anne Petersen, the Founder and President of Global Philanthropic Alliance, a foundation that provides financial support in Africa, also added that research collaborations and funding will be strengthened between the two institutions.

Advising students on career issues, a lecturer at the University of Michigan, Dr. Christine Feek, articulated that, “one should stick and uphold to his or her dreams and aspirations by primarily getting to know your passion”.

By Abu Abdul Karim ‘Foster’, Focus fm, KNUST, Kumasi.