KNUST Bolsters Engineering Excellence with $15M Halliburton Partnership and Honors Top Alumni

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has marked its 75th anniversary with a series of major milestones, highlighting its enduring legacy in engineering and technology. In a significant boost to its academic and research capabilities, the university has secured a US$15 million partnership with Halliburton Ghana Operations Limited and the Petroleum Commission. Simultaneously, the institution has celebrated the achievements of its most distinguished graduates, including Telecel Ghana CEO Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, who was named among the 75 most impactful alumni in the university’s history. The recognition of Ing. Obo-Nai took place during the unveiling of the commemorative publication, "70 Years of Global Impact," at the KNUST Great Hall. The event, graced by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and various international diplomats, underscored the university's role in producing leaders who drive national and global development. Obo-Nai, an alumna of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, was lauded for her two decades of leadership in the telecommunications sector and her advocacy for digital transformation and diversity in STEM. Her inclusion in the list reflects KNUST’s commitment to shaping professionals who contribute significantly to the country’s industrial growth. Strengthening this commitment to industrial excellence, the new agreement with Halliburton and the Petroleum Commission aims to fortify Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector. The US$15 million investment includes the donation of advanced petroleum engineering software, faculty and student training programs, and direct support for academic research. According to Mr. Antoine Berel, Halliburton’s Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa, the initiative is designed to empower local institutions and share global knowledge to create sustainable value. Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission, emphasized that this strategic investment ensures students gain practical experience with world-class technologies, aligning with national goals for local content and capacity building. These developments represent a dual triumph for KNUST as it looks toward the future. By bridging the gap between academia and industry through multi-million dollar partnerships and honoring the real-world success of its alumni, the university reinforces its position as a cornerstone of higher education in West Africa. These initiatives are expected to foster a new generation of skilled professionals ready to tackle challenges in energy, telecommunications, and engineering, ensuring that KNUST’s impact remains central to Ghana’s socio-economic development for decades to come.