A 7-member Team from the College of Engineering, KNUST joined other higher education leaders, educational administrators, policymakers, and scholars from 43 institutions across 13 Africa countries to participate in the 2026 West Africa Hub Convening, organized by The Education Collaborative in Lomé, Togo to discuss innovative ways to improve student support systems, campus life, and academic success in African universities. The convening was under the theme “Student First: Rethinking Support Systems, Campus Life and Academic Success in African Higher Education Institutions.”
Prof. Tafo Tchangbedji, Minister of Education of Togo, welcomed participants to Lomé and stressed the importance of student-centered education in Africa’s development agenda. He noted that universities play a critical role in shaping the future of African youth and called on institutions to adopt innovative systems that improves learning outcomes and student success.
In a presentation on a sub-theme of the conference, “Can African Universities collaborate on admissions and enrolment?”, Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, College Registrar, College of Engineering, KNUST proposed for African higher institutions to share data on admission and enrolment trends and also develop policy for credit transfer for inter and intra mobility among Africa students to enable them acquire international and cultural experiences. Dr. Addo further urged Africa Universities to develop appropriate partnerships and collaborations to support human capital development of the continent.
The CoE-KNUST Team also made a poster presentation on “Developing Industry-ready graduates for African’s transformation: The role of support system for student success and well-being in the College of Engineering, KNUST, Ghana”. The presentation focused on innovative approaches used by KNUST to welcome fresh students as well as key student support services provided to prepare students for future employment.
In a fireside chat led by Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University, and Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities, explored how better employability data could shape university leadership decisions and strengthen industry partnerships. The conference emphasized the urgent need for African universities to place students at the center of institutional policies and practices. Discussions focused on improving employability, strengthening campus support systems, promoting inclusive education, and developing sustainable financing models to enhance student success.
The convening resulted in strengthened collaboration among West African universities and renewed commitment to student-centered higher education systems. Key outcomes included improved focus on employability and entrepreneurship, adoption of inclusive education strategies, recognition of student mental health as a priority, and clear pathways for future West Africa Hub engagements.
The 2026 West Africa Hub Convening successfully provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning among higher education stakeholders in West Africa. The discussions and recommendations are expected to guide future collaborations and support the continued transformation of African universities through leadership, innovation, and student-centered excellence.
The CoE-KNUST Team included Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, Deputy Registrar, College of Engineering (lead), Dr. Frank Ofori Agyemang (Senior Lecturer, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Department), Ms. Akua Afriyie Addae (Counsellor, College of Engineering), Mrs. Elizabeth Maame Esi Amissah (Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering), Ms. Judith Nana Agyeman-Prempeh (Junior Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering), Mr. George Ansong (Chief Technician), and Mrs. Grace Asare-Nkansah (Principal Administrative Assistant, Provost Office, College of Engineering). The Team is grateful to the University and the College management for the opportunity.
