KNUST signs pact to advance French studies

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has signaled its determination to strengthen the study and teaching of French with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Mission Universite De Strasborg.

The pact, facilitated by the French Embassy in Accra, would help to promote doctorate programmes in French Studies at the Ghanaian University.

Professor William Otoo Ellis, the Vice Chancellor, said the academic entity is eager to upgrade the knowledge and competencies of its French lecturers.

He noted that French studies is one of the fast-growing courses at the University with many students from sub-Saharan Africa applying for the programme due to it’s the strategic advantage it offers to the job market.

The VC said: “Its department of languages is being resourced to respond to the dynamics in French education,” to help produce French technocrats with advanced knowledge in the language.

He applauded France for its educational interventions to advance French education.

Prof Francis Kern, who initialed the agreement for the French University, said his institution is already into partnerships with the University of Cape Coast and University of Education, Winneba, to support them in French studies.

He said French University would continue to liaise with Ghanaian universities to promote the development of the French language.