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The Takoradi Polytechnic and Vaasa University of Applied Science (VAMK), Finland, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the exchange of academic programmes and the development of staff in the institutions.

It would also lead to the establishment of a Renewable Energy Centre to provide alternative energy sources in Ghana.

The MOU, signed during a visit to Finland by a delegation from Takoradi Polytechnic, is expected to enhance joint research and to hasten the running of degree programmes for joint  certification.

Professor  John Frank Eshun, the Rector of Takoradi Polytechnic, signed for his institution, while Ms. Tuija Tammi, the Head of International Office of Vaasa University, initialed for his side.

Prof Eshun told the Ghana News Agency: “It has been the desire of Takoradi Polytechnic to build a Renewable Energy Centre to provide alternative energy sources and reduce the high dependence on hydro sources of energy”.

A satellite campus would in Ghana developed in Ghana, while  there would be exchange of relevant information, documentation and materials.

The staff of the Polytechnic would be able to pursue doctor of philosophy programmes under scholarship towards improving the manpower base of the Polytechnic, he said.

The agreement, he said, marked a significant step in the Polytechnic’s quest for international collaboration to enhance academic excellence through research and the training of students to fit into the job market.

The Dean of International Programmes and External Linkages Office (IPELO), Mr. Samuel A.N.K. Tsibuah, said  the Polytechnic would be responsible for the admission process and ensure that its students’ progressed through the validated academic programmes within the specified period required by the National Accreditation Board.

“The Polytechnic would uphold the standards of both institutions to produce the calibre of students who would fit into the job market in order to save industries the challenge of re-training the graduates the recruit,” he said.

The Dean of School of Engineering, Mr. John Kofi Bentil, who was also a member of the delegation to Finland, said some of the immediate benefits from the agreement were the supply of books on Business and Renewable Energy to stock the library.

Others are office equipment such as printers, laptop and desktop computers, with financial support of  €500.00 to every lecturer from the Polytechnic on exchange or joint research programmes at the Vaasa University of Applied Science.