The Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions and build the technical capacities.

The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Kwesi Andam and the Chief Executive of VRA, Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby signed for KNUST and VRA respectively.

As part of the renewed VRA-KNUST cooperation the university has instituted a Staff Improvement Training Initiative (SITI) programme for VRA non-graduate technicians to upgrade their skills.

The scheme has begun with a one-year bridging programme to prepare prospective students to start full-time studies at KNUST in October 2003.

Under the MOU VRA has located to the university its Second Bulk Supply Point (BSP) to ensure reliable power supply to support teaching, research and development In addition, VRA is to provide a first class Science and Engineering Laboratory and a 25-room hostel that would accommodate both SITI and other students. VRA's fibre optic communications backbone would be extended to KNUST to improve the quality and relevance of engineering training in Ghana.Dr. Wereko-Brobby said the main impetus for improving VRA-KNUST cooperation is the recognition of the mutual benefits that have come to the two institutions over the past four decades. He said, "KNUST has and continues to provide the overwhelming majority of VRA's cadre of graduates in the core disciplines of civil, electrical, geodetic and mechanical engineering."

Prof. Andam said the extension of the fibre optic network to the university which is planning to attain four star status would assist it take advantage of the potential of information technology to promote research, development and distance education. He expressed their profound appreciation to VRA.