The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School in South Africa has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Seidu Al-hassan, as part of a working visit aimed at exploring collaborative opportunities between the two institutions.

The delegation, led by Prof. Innocent Simphiwe Nojiyezia, Head of Research and Innovation at the DUT Business School, met the Vice-Chancellor in his office on Thursday. Prof. Nojiyezia explained that their visit was driven by DUT’s desire to forge a strategic partnership with UDS that focuses on climate-change research and solutions.

“Our mission here is to explore avenues for a mutually beneficial relationship with UDS,” Prof. Nojiyezia said. “We believe that by combining our strengths, we can jointly develop practical interventions that address the pressing global challenge of climate change.”

In welcoming the delegation, Prof. Seidu Al-hassan expressed enthusiasm about the proposed collaboration, noting that UDS students, through the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP), had already generated valuable research data on climate issues across various communities.

“Our students have gathered rich field-based evidence on climate-related vulnerabilities,” the Vice-Chancellor stated. “These findings present an excellent foundation upon which your team can build new knowledge and propose innovative solutions. I encourage you to leverage this data in shaping impactful research interventions.”

Prof. Al-hassan commended DUT Business School for its forward-looking initiative to combat climate challenges, describing it as both timely and inspiring. He assured the South African team of UDS’s full commitment to any joint efforts that emerge from the engagement.

“Your initiative to confront climate change is highly commendable,” he said. “UDS stands ready to offer every necessary support to ensure that this partnership becomes a model for climate-action collaboration on the African continent.”

To mark the visit, the Vice-Chancellor presented the delegation with UDS-branded laptop bags as a token of goodwill and friendship.

The meeting ended with both institutions expressing optimism about a future partnership that will advance research, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.

Story by Ibrahim Abubakari
(UDS MEDIA)