The Sunyani Technical University (STU) and the Vanuatu Trade Commission (VTC) in Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide an estimated grant of $1 million to ATU to train students and staff in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Applied Research.
The MoU formed part of a partnership between the commission and the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) to train some young people across Africa in AI for free, starting from Ghana.
“A total number of 1,500 participants (students and staff) are to be trained at a sponsored cost of $250 each, totaling $375,000. Additionally, there is a stimulus package of $100 per participant, amounting to $150,000. The total cost of sponsorship therefore amounts to $250,000. VTC shall bear the cost of the training. However, each participant will pay a nominal fee of Gh.c100 for access to the Learning Management System during and after the training collected by STU and paid to Hanypay Ghana Limited, the mandated Payment Service Provider to the African Diaspora Central Bank and VTC-Ghana”, the MoU partly says.
Additionally, there is a stimulus package of $100 per participant, amounting to $200,000, bringing the commission’s overall sponsorship cost for the AI training programme to $700,000.
Partnership
This partnership between STU and VTC provides a framework for academic collaboration, research grants as well.The purpose of the MOU is to provide a collaborative framework between STU and VTC in the areas of academic collaboration, grants to support research and infrastructure, training of STU staff, faculty, and students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for both research and industry.
Under the MoU, a research grant to improve applied research and innovation in Ghana is to be established while administrative staff in AI-driven data management systems of STU will be trained.
Besides, there will be training in AI and machine learning for hands-on, practical skills, the provision of institutional support for infrastructure and related projects and the introduction of advanced analytical tools and AI-assisted research methodologies.
The training program will benefit approximately 1500 individuals, including staff and students, and will introduce advanced analytical tools and AI-assisted research methodologies to foster academic excellence and ground-breaking research initiatives.
This historic MOU marks a significant milestone in the university's efforts to integrate AI across educational and administrative spheres, and we look forward to the fruitful outcomes of this partnership.
The Vice-Chancellor of STU, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that the university will take full advantage of this training to enhance its academic and research capabilities.
The Vanuatu Trade Commissioner, H.E. Prof. Amb. Hugh K. Aryee, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration, highlighting the potential for knowledge sharing and capacity building in AI and related fields.
Mr. Samuel Ankama Obour, Registrar of STU, and Dr. David King Boison, Lead Consultant for AI Training, witnessed the signing ceremony on behalf of their respective institutions.
Present at the ceremony were the Pro-Vice Chancellor of STU, Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah and other senior officials both STU and the Vanuatu Trade Commission.
