Accra Technical University (ATU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the École Supérieure Africaine des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (ESATIC) of Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen academic cooperation, research, innovation, and skills development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The agreement was signed during ATU’s maiden Flag-Raising Ceremony and International Students’ Time with the Vice-Chancellor, underscoring the University’s commitment to internationalisation and regional collaboration in higher education.
The MoU was signed on behalf of ATU by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, while Professor Adama Konaté signed on behalf of ESATIC.
The partnership establishes a framework for cooperation between the two institutions in key areas, including ICT education and training, student internships and industrial placements, academic exchange, joint research, innovation, and professional development.
Under the agreement, students from both institutions will have opportunities to undertake internships and industrial attachments in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The collaboration will also facilitate semester-long and short-term student exchange programmes, enabling learners to gain international exposure and broaden their academic experiences.
The partnership further provides for the exchange of lecturers, researchers, trainers, and technical staff, as well as participation in conferences, workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programmes designed to enhance teaching, learning, and research outcomes.
A major component of the collaboration is the development of joint academic programmes and specialised training initiatives in emerging technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications, Software Engineering, and Digital Business.
The two institutions also agreed to pursue joint research projects, publications, innovation challenges, hackathons, incubation programmes, and regional digital skills initiatives that contribute to technological advancement and socio-economic development across West Africa.
In addition, the partnership seeks to strengthen links between academia and industry by leveraging the corporate networks of both institutions to create internship, employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation opportunities for students and graduates.
The agreement reflects the shared vision of ATU and ESATIC to promote academic excellence, technological innovation, and regional integration through collaborative education and research initiatives.
The MoU will remain in force for an initial period of five years, with opportunities for renewal by mutual agreement.