The West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana has graduated its 11th cohort of PhD Plant Breeding Candidates at a graduation ceremony held on January 23, 2024 at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana.
During the ceremony, six candidates, comprising two females and four males, were conferred with doctorate degrees in plant breeding. The graduates, Dr. Danso Aboagye Benjamin, Dr. Cann Rachel, Dr. Sadassa Biratu Kassahun, Dr. Okwu Queen Udodirim, Dr. Ayenan Mathieu and Dr. Tsindi Albert were from five countries in Africa: Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Benin and Zimbabwe.
WACCI graduates in group photograph
The focus of the candidates' research was on enhancing nutritional traits, expanding crop varieties, breeding for earliness, and developing resilience and resistance in indigenous crops such as maize, groundnut, soybean, cassava, and tomato. Their research is expected to make substantial contributions to the advancement of agriculture and food sustainability in their respective countries and across the continent.
Since its establishment in 2007, WACCI has consistently demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and has graduated a total of 111 PhD students from 15 African countries.The Centre has evolved into one of the world's largest PhD education programs, gaining recognition as a leading Centre of Excellence in agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.
WACCI congratulates all the graduates.