The newly appointed Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Ke Ningli, has outlined plans to strengthen research and innovation collaboration with KNUST and its Chinese partner, Hubei University of Automotive Technology (HUAT), with a renewed focus on new energy research and capacity building.
“We have successfully submitted a funding application to the Chinese government to support the establishment of a research laboratory focusing on engineering and new energy,” Professor Ningli said during a courtesy call on Vice-Chancellor Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson.
He explained that the initiative aligns with global efforts to address climate change and reduce carbon footprints through science, technology, and innovation.
“This is not just about funding, but about putting research into practice. We hope to elevate our cooperation to a higher level and deliver tangible outcomes for both universities,” he added.
Professor Ningli also praised KNUST for its welcoming environment, saying: “We feel very comfortable here. We love the campus and appreciate the environment created for us.”
Welcoming the delegation, Professor Dickson lauded the enduring partnership between the two institutions as impactful and mutually beneficial. “KNUST has always believed in result-oriented partnerships. As an international institution, we are training international professionals,” she said. “When a partnership is working and yielding positive results, there is no reason to stop. The University is happy to have you on board and looks forward to strengthening our collaboration to improve research, innovation, and service to humanity.”
The Vice-Chancellor assured the Director of KNUST’s support, including space and institutional backing to ensure the successful implementation of the laboratory. She emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue in addressing challenges that may arise.
“When there are issues, we must sit around the table and talk. If we talk, we will find solutions, and that is how institutions grow,” she said.
Professor Daniel Y. A. Duah, the Ghanaian Director of the Institute, also indicated plans to engage the College of Engineering and other academic units to expand joint research, teaching, and innovation activities across disciplines.