Faculty and alumni from the KNUST College of Engineering met online for the first Alumni Quarterly Meeting of 2025 to discuss achievements, connect, and set goals for the future.
The expanding relationship between the college and its alumni was highlighted. According to Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, alumni support has boosted the mentorship and internship opportunities available to students. Engineering Briefs, the college's monthly e-bulletin, remains a reliable source of information on opportunities and accomplishments.
One of the primary topics was innovation. Research on sustainability, including the development of high-performance batteries from taro leaves, is being spearheaded by the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. Additionally, students are receiving instruction in electric vehicle technologies. International collaborations include encouraging joint research and postgraduate programs with institutions like Hubei, Iowa State, and Concordia. For energy and environmental projects, more than €800,000 and £3.5 million in research funds have been obtained.
A presentation on the various faculties of the College
According to the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the TRECK Office Complex, with its modern labs and classrooms, has been completed. While new partnerships with industry, such as the Petroleum Commission and Tamale Refinery, are enhancing hands-on training, their research centers are tackling important issues in sanitation, transportation, and climate change.
A presentation on the recent collaboration between faculty and foreign university/companies
With assistance from Rohdes & Schwarz, a €1 million Radio Frequency and Microwave Lab was established in Electrical and Computer Engineering. A new faculty building was recently proposed in order to increase the capacity for digital technology research and training.
KNUST College of Engineering Endowment Fund
Having raised $800,000 in cash, $300,000 in pledges, and $7,000 through an alumni foundation established in the United States, the KNUST Engineering Endowment Fund is steadily expanding. In order to finance postgraduate education, infrastructure growth, and talent retention, $5 million is the target.
Alumni contributions are not limited to donations. They are actively shaping the future through ideas and initiatives. Faculty expressed interest in commercializing the college’s research and proposed a faculty internship program to deepen academic-industry links. They raised concerns about urban flooding, suggesting research into permeable pavements.
After the discussion, the college is pursuing these ideas, conducting pavement research, establishing connections for commercialization, increasing faculty internship opportunities, and promoting the Endowment Fund.
