The existing Double Degree in Mathematical Engineering partnership between KNUST and the University of L’Aquila (UnivAQ) in Italy was recently highlighted at the 7th Conference on the Euro-African Partnership in Teramo, Italy. At the event, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, affirmed that such partnerships are exemplary and essential for global progress, declaring that “without partnerships, humanity suffers.”

The conference, held from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the University of Teramo, was opened by Rector Christian Corsi, who introduced the guiding theme: “Academic Cooperation as a Model of Growth and Hope in the 21st Century.”

Speaking on the sub-theme, “Expectations of the African Academic Community,” Prof. Dickson emphasized that mutually beneficial partnerships between Europe and Africa can yield transformative outcomes, particularly when such collaborations recognize and respect Africa’s cultural values, ethical standards, and indigenous knowledge systems.

In another session titled “Cooperation and Research Projects,” the ongoing Smart Water Project Proposal was showcased as a model of growth and hope—an initiative that moves beyond student exchange to co-creating practical solutions for global challenges. The session was jointly steered by Prof. Daniel Duah, Dean for International Programmes at KNUST, and Prof. Antinisca Di Marco, the project coordinator from UnivAQ.

The 7th Conference coincided with the Vatican’s “Jubilee of the World of Education,” a global and intergenerational event designed to strengthen the mission of education in the 21st century. Both events shared a common purpose: redefining the role of education in advancing human dignity and collective progress.

The collaboration between KNUST and UnivAQ stands as a secular reflection of the Second Vatican Council’s Gravissimum Educationis, which calls for education to foster the holistic development of the human person by integrating ethical values and intellectual excellence.

The success of this partnership—facilitated by dedicated individuals such as Dr. Henry Martin, an alumnus of both institutions—demonstrates that when academic partners operate with mutual respect and a shared vision of hope, they can deliver transformative results.

As part of the official visit to Italy, Prof. Dickson and her delegation toured the University of L’Aquila on October 30 and engaged with KNUST students currently enrolled in the double-degree programme.

The Mathematical and Computational Physics (MCP) Unit, the Department of Physics, and KNUST as a whole take pride in being at the forefront of this visionary partnership