The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø), through its Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative (Nkabom) Project, has successfully organized a two-day orientation for its inaugural cohort of PhD students.
This initiative, partnered with the Mastercard Foundation, marks a pivotal step in developing a new generation of highly skilled researchers and professionals dedicated to driving innovation in Ghana's vital agri-food sector.
The orientation introduced the PhD students to the academic expectations of their programs and embedded them within a broader mission to transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
Professor William Otoo Ellis, Principal Investigator of the project, affirmed that with this orientation, the PhD students will be poised to embark on rigorous training and impactful research.
During the orientation, Dr. Abena Boakye, the Education Pillar Lead, outlined the specific requirements and expectations of the PhD scholarship.
Additionally, project co-lead Professor Ibok Nsa Oduro and Dr. Nana Baah Pepra-Ameyaw, a lecturer at the Food Science and Technology Department engaged with the students on the critical importance of systems thinking and analysis.
Seasoned academics and mentors offered inspiring messages and practical advice to prepare the students for their demanding academic journey.
Dr. Antoinette Simpah Anim-Jnr, a senior lecturer from the Department of Animal Science, encouraged perseverance, advising students to embrace the challenges of the PhD process with a clear vision.
"There are times you feel that you’ve had enough, but you need to go through that test of time. You have to motivate yourself. It is a path to becoming a thought leader. You don’t have to publish many papers, but if you can contribute meaningfully to society, that makes you a good PhD student.â€
Professor Robert Clement Abaidoo of the Department of Biological Sciences underscored the need for resilience, urging, “Please manage the obstacles and forge ahead.â€
Professor Regina Esi Edziyie, Associate Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management, shared insights from her own studies in the United States, emphasizing the importance of peer collaboration and mental support during the PhD journey.
“You need friends; writing is difficult. The person becomes your support, so you can share your frustration and navigate the field better.â€
Professor Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, also shared his insights on navigating the PhD journey. "Your resilience will be your greatest asset, and remember that every challenge overcome is a step closer to impactful research."
The Nkabom Project is a collaborative effort uniting key stakeholders from academic and research institutions to strengthen collective initiatives and develop a skilled workforce for sustainable food systems.
As part of the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, the project also fosters partnerships with agricultural institutions and other stakeholders to ensure research aligns with the practical needs of the sector, ultimately creating employment opportunities for young people.
