The West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana on September 24, 2024, held an orientation ceremony for its 10th cohort of MPhil in Seed Science and Technology students at the Centre’s Auditorium.
This cohort consists of 14 students, including 8 females and 6 males, from 5 African countries namely Ethiopia, South Sudan, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. With the addition of these new students, the total enrolment in the Centre's MPhil in Seed Science and Technology Programme, since its inception in 2015 is 109 students from 13 African countries.
The Deputy Director of Research, Innovation, and Development, Dr. Agyemang Danquah, delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Director. Dr. Danquah welcomed the students to WACCI and provided a brief overview of the University of Ghana, outlining its mission, vision, and values. He also shared insights into WACCI's operations, reassuring students that the faculty and administrators are committed to providing an enriching campus experience throughout their programme.
Dr. Agyemang Danquah, Deputy Director of Research, Innovation, and Development welcoming the students
Dr. Danquah further elaborated on the MPhil Seed Science and Technology (SST) Programme, its structure, and objectives. He highlighted the research work of the faculty and encouraged the students to consider research topics that align with the faculty's ongoing projects.
The Associate Director of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Kwadwo Ofori, took the students through “What the Graduate Student Must Know”. He highlighted the role of the School of Graduate Studies, WACCI’s academic programmes, the structure of the semester, supervision, and the Graduate Student Association.
Prof. Kwadwo Ofori, Associate Director of Academic and Student Affairs
The Team Lead, ICT, Mr. Francis Turkson, introduced the Centre’s IT resources that would assist them during their studies. The Assistant Registrar, Mrs. Barbara Dodoo-Arhin, shared information on the University’s International Programmes Office, WACCI’s facilities, and security and health matters. She urged students to make full use of the resources available at both WACCI and the University of Ghana.
Mrs. Barbara Dodoo-Arhin, Assistant Registrar
About WACCI’s MPhil in Seed Science and Technology Programme
The MPhil in Seed Science and Technology is an innovative two-year programme. Under this programme, students begin with nine months of coursework at the University of Ghana, followed by a six-week to three-month practical attachment at either a national plant breeding programme or a private seed company, and a final year dedicated to research work. The programme offers interdisciplinary training that emphasises the development of problem-solving and analytical skills by providing students with the current seed science and technology instruction along essential module in business management in a rigorous, integrated curriculum to develop a network of broadly trained individuals capable of improving access to high-quality seeds.
