The Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Dr. Edwin Provencal has urged academia and industry to collaborate effectively to empower the youth with the necessary skills and resources for innovation and societal progress.

He made this appeal during his keynote address at the 13th Biennial Congress of the KNUST Alumni Association.

Dr. Provencal, an alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), stressed the importance of providing resources and support to the youth to harness their potential and navigate an ever-evolving global landscape.

He also emphasized the need to go beyond technical education and focus on soft skills to ensure that graduates are adaptable to industry demands.

Contributing to panel discussions, Dr. Nathan Amanquah, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at Ashesi University and a KNUST alumnus, highlighted the need for curricula that foster innovation. He called for academia to intentionally cultivate an innovative mindset among students.

On his part, Daasebre Nana Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, chaired the plenary session and commended the leadership of the KNUST Alumni Association for their youth-focused initiatives.

He urged them to continue harnessing the potential of the youth for their development.
The congress, held from October 24-27, was co-hosted by the Eastern Region and Spintex Chapters of the Alumni Association under the theme, “Empowering Today’s Youth for Success in Emerging Global Trends.” It brought together alumni from across the country, including KNUST Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor David Asamoah, and some international delegates.

A key highlight of the event was the Youth Day which featured a CV Clinic, Networking Skills sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and a job fair. These sessions aimed to prepare recent graduates for the job market and provided opportunities for professional growth.

The Alumnus of the Year award was presented to Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of the Akuapem Traditional Area, in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Alumni Association.

In his address, Osabarima urged alumni to actively create internships and mentorship opportunities for students and to collaborate with KNUST to make curricula more industry-relevant. He encouraged the university to integrate soft skills, entrepreneurship training, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence into its programs.

He also advised students and young graduates to engage in volunteering to build their skills and take advantage of mentorship and networking opportunities offered by experienced alumni.