The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Legon has launched an innovative MPhil Seed Science and Technology (SST) programme in response to the growing need for experts and professionals and a well- structured seed industry in the West African sub-region.
The programme, which is a collaboration with the Seed Science Center, Iowa State University and the private seed industry in Ghana is funded under the World Bank Africa Centres of Excellence project.
WACCI MPhil Seed Science and Technology (SST) programme inception class
The inception class comprises eleven students from Ghana and Liberia selected on competitive basis following screening of several applications from highly qualified students. The students enrolled in August 2015 and will complete one year of course work to be followed by experiential learning in the public and private sectors before thesis research. Five deserving students will undertake practical training at the Iowa Seed Centre in Ames, USA. The programme offers interdisciplinary training that emphasizes the development of superior problem-solving and analytical skills by providing students with current seed science and technology instruction along with essential modules in business management in a rigorous, integrated curriculum to develop a network of broadly trained individuals that can work effectively to improve access to high quality seeds.
The dearth of skilled personnel has constrained the availability of improved varieties of staple crops in West and Central. It is hoped that this innovative programme will be sustained to develop the critical mass of seed scientists and technologists urgently needed to revamp the seed industry.
MPhil Students at the WACCI Model Plant Breeding Farm
MPhil Students in the WACCI Seed Preparartion Room
MPhil Students in the WACCI Seed Storage Room