The WASCAL Executive Director (ED), Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongre Ramde accompanied by the WASCAL Capacity Building Director (CBD), Prof. Daouda Kone visited the Federal University of Technology, Minna, on 27^th August 2024 as part of his familiarisation tour of the WASCAL Graduate Studies Programmes (GSPs).

During the visit, he paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, who was with the University’s Management team. He expressed appreciation to the Management of FUT Minna for successfully hosting the programme and commended the University’s effort at being one of the host Universities with timely graduation of the WASCAL students.

He enumerated the input of WASCAL in the West African sub region by outlining some of the success stories of WASCAL, which included producing over 500 experts so far who are now equipped for proffering scientific solutions towards combating climate change challenges in West Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor, in his response, expressed appreciation for the visit. He said the WASCAL programme pioneered internationalisation in FUT, Minna, and the cutting edge research outputs had impacted positively, especially on the neighbouring communities. He gave assurances of the University’s support for continued success of the programme in FUT Minna.

The ED also interacted with staff, students, alumni and the stakeholders (FUT Minna Advisory/Academic Board, Batch 5 internal lecturers and major supervisors).

He shared his vision as ED with staff, which are hinged on three aspects, namely visibility, fundraising and sustainability. He commended the Centre on the noticeable gender balance on staffing and expressed appreciation for their inputs to the success of the WASCAL programme in FUT Minna under the able leadership of the Director.

With the students and Alumni who joined the meeting online, he urged them to be good ambassadors of WASCAL, FUT, Minna, and their respective countries, which they represent.

He urged the students to ensure their timely graduation by adhering to timelines and guidelines, work together as a team and stressed the importance of publishing in reputable journals. He also enumerated some global benefits awaiting them as WASCAL Alumni and challenged them to explore these available opportunities at being job producers instead of job-seekers.

He expressed appreciation, on behalf of the WASCAL headquarters, to the stakeholders for their expertise contributions and dedication to the success of the programme in FUT Minna. He informed them of the international accreditation of the WASCAL programme being planned, for which details will be made available as they unfold.