Kumasi, Sept 2, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Wahome Steel Company Limited, an integrated steel manufacturing company based at Tema, on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage and facilitate joint research on steels for the mutual benefit of the two institutions and the country in general.

Under the agreement, KNUST will, from time to time, be expected to bring to the attention of Wahome the resources and capabilities of the university's College of Engineering and also provide continuing engineering education for staff of the company in areas where the university has the capacity at the appropriate fees. Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, Vice-Chancellor of the university, initialled on behalf of KNUST, whilst Mr Isaac Yeboah, Managing Director of Wahome signed for his company. Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor said the MOU shall be in force for a period of five years and may be renewed by consent of both institutions.

He said as part of the agreement, the company would make suggestions towards KNUST's curriculum development process, whiles it also makes provision for students of the university to embark on industrial visits.

Prof Adarkwa said the company under the agreement would be expected to identify engineering problems and bring these challenges to the attention of the university for prompt action and solutions. Mr Yeboah noted that the intent of the agreement was to provide a mechanism for both parties to co-operate in mutually progressive and supportive activities, which do not compromise either party or their relationship with other parties not named in the MOU. He said the evaluation of the agreement will be initiated by the College of Engineering on one side and management board of Wahome on the other, and that either party shall have absolute rights to terminate the agreement with or without cause upon 60 days prior written notice to the other party and that such termination shall not affect projects or activities already started and in progress. 2 Sept. 08