Partners
Sunyani Polytechnic
The Sunyani Polytechnic, with approximately 4500 students and a faculty and staff of 160,
outlines its strengths and weaknesses in its strategic plan of 2005-10: “The strengths that sustain the excellence of the Polytechnic include a teaching faculty in a friendly environment
that prepares students to meet the challenges of today. Periods of academic study are combined with periods of industrial attachments to give students hands-on experience in their study areas.”
The Polytechnic is working towards strengthening its organizational and administrative structure and governance, improving its infrastructure to support teaching and learning and revising its curricula so that it meets the needs of society. The Polytechnic’s weaknesses lie in the areas of inadequate control systems, its inability to attract and retain adequate numbers of qualified staff, and a non-operational staff development policy.
Faculty of Forest Resource Technology
The Faculty of Forest Resource Technology - Sunyani (FFRT) has evolved from a forestry training school to a three-year diploma college in 1999. In 2004, FFRT became an independent faculty within Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). In addition to the diploma program, FFRT now offers a four year Bachelor of Science degree, with
concentrations in four areas: land reclamation and rehabilitation; wood processing technology; social forestry; and ecotourism and forest recreation. FFRT has 200 students and 12 faculty and staff members. The strengths of FFRT lie in its commitment to promote the acquisition of knowledge and technical skills in the areas of natural resource management, and all programs have strong practical components supported by a field practical station 60 km from Sunyani. Weaknesses at FFRT lie in its physical resources (especially in the areas of technology and library materials), and the lack of experience of many faculty members.
Vancouver Island University
Known as a centre of excellence for teaching and learning, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is producing high calibre graduates who are in demand by employers across the country and around the world.
Through its ongoing evolution and growth, VIU is proud to have contributed to the development of Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s culture, economy and knowledge base.
VIU’s roots date back to 1936 when Nanaimo’s first vocational training school opened its doors. A rich history and connectedness to communities has provided VIU with a solid foundation on which we continue to grow.
VIU, formerly Malaspina University-College, has evolved from a small community college to a dynamic, internationally known university supporting a student population in excess of 18,000 full-and part-time learners and employing over 2,000 faculty and staff.
VIU operates four campuses including a main campus in Nanaimo and regional campuses in Duncan, Powell River and Parksville•Qualicum. VIU is also the proud owner of Milner Gardens and Woodlands in Qualicum Beach, recently named one of the top 10 best public gardens in Canada.
VIU is an organization that values a diverse range of training and education. The university provides an enriched and intellectually stimulating environment for students and employees. Offering programs from basic literacy to vocational programs, trades, undergraduate and graduate degrees, VIU encourages all students to explore their potential, discover more about their world and excel in both life and learning.