UEW and AfESC Partner to Bolster Environmental Sustainability
In a move towards advancing environmental sustainability in Ghana, the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and Africa Environmental Sanitation Consult (AfESC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The ceremonial signing took place at the Office of the UEW Vice-Chancellor, North Campus, Winneba, on Friday, 21st June, 2024.
The MoU solidifies a collaborative framework between UEW, a leading institution in educational excellence, and AfESC, a subsidiary of Zoomlion Ghana Limited renowned for its expertise in environmental research and consultancy services. The agreement sets forth ambitious goals aimed at fostering joint research initiatives, educational exchanges, and mutual capacity-building efforts.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, emphasised the strategic importance of industry-academia partnerships in national development.
"This MoU signifies more than just a formal agreement. It represents a commitment to leveraging our collective expertise for the betterment of our nation," remarked Prof. Mitchual. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield tangible results in addressing environmental challenges through innovative research and educational programmes.
Dr. Abena Asomaning Antwi, Managing Director of AfESC, underscored the organisation's dedication to sustainability and its readiness to collaborate with UEW. "We bring to this partnership a wealth of experience, with over 62 companies under our umbrella, all focused on sustainable practices," noted Dr. Antwi. She highlighted AfESC's comprehensive service offerings, including project management, training, and industrial research, aimed at promoting environmental stewardship across Africa.
Prof. Emmanuel Oppong, Head of the Department of Chemistry Education at UEW and the designated liaison for the partnership expressed confidence that the alliance would yield mutual benefits. "By combining our academic resources with AfESC's industry expertise, we aim to pioneer innovative solutions that will positively impact our environment," Prof. Oppong affirmed.
The collaboration between UEW and AfESC is poised to facilitate joint research grant applications, faculty and student exchanges, seminars, and specialised courses. It also aims to enhance knowledge exchange through scientific publications and support industrial placements for students, thus bridging the gap between academia and industry.
AfESC, known for its cutting-edge research capabilities and commitment to environmental advocacy, operates as a centre of excellence within Africa and serves as a benchmark for consultancy services beyond the continent. With a robust team of engineers, scientists, and researchers, AfESC is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that promote sustainable development and environmental resilience.
As both institutions embark on this partnership, they envision a collaborative effort that not only enriches academic discourse but also contributes meaningfully to the environmental sustainability agenda both locally and internationally.
