The College of Engineering at KNUST continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading institutions for engineering education by introducing strategic innovations that bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical industry experience.
The College has recently partnered with leading industry professionals across various engineering disciplines to enhance the teaching and learning experience. This initiative ensures that students graduate with theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary for real-world application and professional success.
One standout contributor is Ing. Dr. Patrick Bekoe, an accomplished civil engineer and Vice President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering. With over two decades of experience in geotechnical, structural, and transportation engineering, Dr. Bekoe has engaged postgraduate students of the Civil Engineering Department since 2016. He frequently leads field trips and invites seasoned professionals from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and, soon, the European Union, to share practical insights on infrastructure projects and transportation economics.
In the Petroleum Engineering Department, Ing. Derrick Klutsey, a Senior Well Engineer at Tullow Oil Ghana with over 16 years of international experience, has played a pivotal role in preparing students for fieldwork. Through interactive sessions, Derrick emphasises the technical aspects of drilling and completions and mentors students in soft skills such as communication, confidence-building, and teamwork skills essential for success in the oil and gas sector.
Mr. Albert Osei, a senior reservoir engineer at Tullow Oil UK and an alumnus of the department, supports this effort. He delivered the final-year course, PE 455: Reservoir Simulation, providing students with practical training in industry-standard software and real-world workflows through virtual sessions. His contribution has offered students both technical proficiency and career guidance.
The Department of Materials Engineering has also embraced this innovative approach. The department regularly brings professionals from companies like Sandvik Ghana, Mr. Hubert Kwesi Essel, and Mining Pro, Mr. Marcus Agyei-Boateng, to deliver hands-on training in Metallurgical Plant Design and Operations. These sessions expose students to extractive metallurgy, plant availability, and equipment design, giving them a well-rounded industrial perspective.
In addition, Dr. Ben Asante, former CEO of Ghana Gas, continues to enrich the learning experience for students in Chemical, Petrochemical, and Petroleum Engineering by delivering insights from his leadership in Ghana’s gas industry.
These industry-academic collaborations have significantly enhanced the quality of engineering education at KNUST. Through workshops, field trips, and integrated classroom sessions led by experts, students develop critical problem-solving and analytical skills, positioning them to excel in the global job market.
At the college, the future of engineering education is now, and it is hands-on, practical, and deeply connected to industry.
