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Durban University of Technology 22Asenior delegation from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), led by Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Management Sciences, embarked on a strategic visit to West Africa in March 2025, engaging with universities in Nigeria and Ghana to establish key partnerships, promote academic programmes and highlight research and postgraduate opportunities.The visit also served to showcase the DUT Business School as a premier institution for business education and leadership development on the African continent and afford opportunities to make several research and academic presentations and deliver guest lectures at host universities.The DUT delegation commenced their visit at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in Nigeria. The team first paid a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, King Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III as a mark of respect and cultural appreciation. Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Law at ABUAD, extended a gracious and kind welcome to the DUT representatives and formally introduced them to His Majesty.In his address, His Majesty the King reflected on the enduring legacy of South African icons President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, acknowledging their contributions to humanity.He also conveyed his deep appreciation for DUT%u2019s recognition of AARE Afe Babalola and the university%u2019s role in advancing education and research. The delegation was gifted traditional attire, signifying a warm and respectful welcome from the Royal Palace.DUT Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement said, %u201cThis visit marks a significant step in strengthening ties between DUT and leading institutions in West Africa, aligning with ENVISION2030%u2019s strategic objectives of leveraging innovation, research and collaboration to address local, African and global challenges.DUT DELEGATION VISITS WEST AFRICA TO STRENGTHEN ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS AND RESEARCH INNOVATIONThe second leg of the DUT delegation%u2019s visit to West Africa commenced with an inspiring tour of the Dr Kwame Nkrumah Museum in Nkroful, Ghana, an important historical and cultural experience.The DUT delegation then visited Takoradi Technical University (TTU). The day began with a warm reception and courtesy meeting with Prof Maame Afua Nkrumah. This was followed by a high-level engagement with the Vice-Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof John Frank Eshun, who welcomed the DUT delegation and reaffirmed the strong partnership between TTU and DUT. His emphasis on the immense potential for expanding this collaboration set an enthusiastic tone for the day%u2019s activities.The formal programme unfolded at the Nicholas Aidoo-Taylor Auditorium where Rev. Michael Obeng opened in prayer. He was followed the Chairperson%u2019s introduction and welcome. Prof Solomon Keelson (PhD), Dean and Director of the International Programmes and External Linkages Office (IPELO), highlighted the shared vision and aspirations of both institutions. The DUT delegation was then officially introduced, followed by presentations from TTU%u2019s management team.A key highlight was Prof A. Nkrumah%u2019s engaging reflection on Pictured: The signing of an MoU between DUT and UI.