The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has encouraged its staff to employ an integrated and coordinated approach in implementing the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals in their work.

The approach would contribute to the University’s mandate of providing quality education.

Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, spoke at the University’s 9^th Summer School dubbed: “SDGs and Universities: Actions Towards KNUST’s Mandate at 70 and Beyond”.

The KNUST has over the years observed a gap in implementing the sustainable development goals. 

Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson encouraged the university staff to integrate the SDGs in their tasks.

“I am very hopeful and positive we are going to have a very engaging summer school which will provide clear directions and actions we must continue to take towards the attainment of each of the 17 SDGs.

“This is definitely not a time to be complacent. Ladies and Gentlemen, I therefore urge all of us to be honest with our submissions providing useful alternatives leading to working solutions for the attainment of the SDGs,” she said

Pro-Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, explained how the university has implemented some of the SDGs.

He said a holistic approach will improve teaching, research, and service delivery at KNUST. 

“A little over 64% of the research that we do in this institution is with partner institutions in the Global South and the North.

“Directly as an institution SDG 4-quality education, is something that we look at. As KNUST, we have a benchmark of ensuring quality permeates all that we do.

“One of our core values as KNUST is to ensure there is inclusiveness and diversity. There’s no discrimination neither do we put hurdles in the ways of people,” he explained. 

A representative from the University of Burundi, Prof. Aloys Misago, advised staff to collaborate with institutions from other economies to help in achieving the SDGs.

“We have to strengthen the ties between the North and the South. Sometimes, when we think of partnership, we go north.

“We have to also strengthen the ties between universities in the South. That is, a step which I preferred so much. We can learn a lot from each other,” he advised.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Clean Africa e.V., Mrs. Matilda Freda Marful admonished staff of KNUST to be committed in this collective effort towards the attainment of the SDGs.

“The Academia should see each and every one of them that their actions count.

“Is not up to only the Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Heads of Department; each and every lecturer and professor can do something to contribute to the sustainability of the SDGs,” she said.

The Summer School started in 2011 to increase the skills and knowledge of staff for productivity and excellence.