An innovative mobile application has been launched as part of the celebrations marking 20 years of internationalization at KNUST's International Programmes Office (IPO).

The app, designed to streamline Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) processes, represents the university's drive to leveraging technology in its internationalization efforts.

The launch of this app coincided with the broader theme of the anniversary celebrations: "20 Years of Internationalization and Impact; The Next Steps."

During the opening ceremony at the Great Hall, Dean of the IPO, Professor Daniel Duah, explained the relevance of the app in enhancing global academic collaborations.

"One of the biggest challenges that we keep facing is having faculty across the university and sometimes in different parts of the world asking if we have an MOU with this or that country? They ask because they really want to enter partnerships.

"To help us solve that problem. We look to homegrown solutions. The University Information Technology Services (UITS) is a world-class institution and we reached out to them and they have helped us to come up with an app which is  a one-stop shop for all our MOUs and all our interactions," he explained.

Professor Duah also reflected on the past two decades of the IPO, noting the alliances formed with institutions worldwide.

The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, shared similar remarks, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in the university's growth.

"Internationalization is essential for academic institutions today. It allows us to move beyond geographical boundaries and enrich our educational offerings with diverse perspectives," she stated.

She also acknowledged the  role of past and present IPO staff, international partners, and other stakeholders in achieving these milestones.

The Vice-Chancellor further mentioned the challenges faced in the process of internationalization, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, she praised the IPO's resilience in overcoming these difficulties and continuing to build and maintain active partnerships.

"We are committed to ensuring that all our MOUs remain active and beneficial. We will not sign MOUs that do not serve their intended purpose," she revealed.

The celebrations also included a keynote address by Dr. Dianne Brimey, representing the French Ambassador to Ghana.

Dr. Brimey spoke on the impact and prospects of internationalization from a diplomatic perspective, showing the academic relations between Ghana and France.

She cited joint research projects and academic exchanges as elements of this partnership, noting that these initiatives have enriched both nations' academic and research.

Dr. Brimey also pointed out the broader implications of internationalization in higher education, saying,

"The internationalization of higher education is a force transforming individuals, institutions, and nations."

She advised that there must be a need for continued investment in international collaborations to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in global education.

The opening ceremony featured various activities, including a display of flags from countries whose students are benefiting from KNUST's education.

These countries include Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, the UK, the USA, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, among others.

Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah, Deputy Director of Student Affairs in charge of Housing and Welfare at KNUST, led a panel discussion featuring Pikay Richardson, Senior Fellow at the University of Manchester, UK, Lamin Kejo Cham, PHD candidate of Mathematics , KNUST and Emma Tarrant Tayou, Director, Graduate Guidance Group, explored the role of partnerships in enhancing the global reputation and attractiveness of institutions.

The discussion was on the theme: "Scaling the internationalisatin drive, with special emphasis on finance, research, partnership, staff and student mobility".

As part of the anniversary activities, the IPO hosted an international food fair and cultural display, providing an opportunity for the university community to experience the rich cultural diversity within KNUST.

The celebration culminated in a virtual podcast session  on partnership support and travel facilitation.

Professor Dickson expressed optimism about the future of the IPO and its continued impact on KNUST's internationalization agenda.

The celebrations also recognized the contributions of the IPO Anniversary Planning Committee, chaired by Professor Eric Appau Asante, for their efforts in organizing the event.