It has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train two KNUST teaching staff in South Africa.

 

The automation solution kit is designed to enable electrical engineering students to simulate automation processes for a wide range of industries, such as automotive manufacturing, food and beverage production, and mining, among others.

 

The kit has extensive expansion options, features modular designs with scalable functionality tailored to perform highly precise automation tasks.

 

The equipment is also built with controller systems such as a compact central processing unit (CPU), signal modules, communication interfaces, technology modules, as well as a manual – to provide for an easy installation, use and maintenance.

 

Country Manager of Siemens Ghana, Mr. Edmund Acheampong said “the automation equipment does not only provide a major boost to engineering training at KNUST, but significantly helps to bridge the gap between academia and industry, thereby making engineering students readily employable in the industry.”

 

According to Mr. Acheampong, the donation is in line with Siemens’ commitment to meet the aspirations of some 200 million people aged between 15 and 25 whose future in Africa is brimming with potential innovations in engineering.

 

“One of the challenges facing the educational sector in Africa is access to adequate resources to promote effective teaching and learning. By supporting KNUST with this automation equipment, Siemens is proud to give young students the opportunity to be better equipped to provide relevant technology and engineering solutions for today and the future,” he said.

 

Mr. Acheampong said Siemens was looking forward to making similar presentations to a number of universities in Southern and Eastern Africa.

 

“The goal is to train students to be ready for industry work right after graduation, and to have confidence to stand shoulder to shoulder with engineering graduates all over the world,” he added.

 

The Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. Adom-Asamoah, who received the equipment on behalf of the university, lauded Siemens for supporting the university’s vision and mission of up-skilling students in technical subjects such as petrochemical engineering, electrical engineering, geomatic and materials engineering among other engineering programmes.

 

According to him, the SIMATIC S7-1200 automation equipment from Siemens had come at the appropriate time since the university is in the process of retooling its engineering laboratories to up-skill students in modern engineering practices.

 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed for a training scheme dubbed ‘the trainer of trainers’ that would train two KNUST faculty members in South Africa.

 

Per the agreement, Siemens will bear the costs of the course, travel and accommodation.

 

As part of the MoU, Siemens will also investigate opportunities to arrange an exchange programme between KNUST and other partner universities within South Africa.

 

Professor Mark Adom - Asamoah, Provost of the College of Engineering, signed on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST and Mr. Edmund Acheampong signed for Siemens.

 

Prof. Adom-Asamoah expressed his gratitude to Siemens stating that “once our trainees return from the training, they would be well positioned to train many other faculty members and students. This is good prospect for us,” he said.

 

GNA