Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry: Insights from WAIMM Seminar

On the 16th of February 2024, the WAIMM CKT-UTAS chapter organised a career guidance seminar under the theme “Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry – The Role of WAIMM Student Chapters”. The seminar proved to be an enlightening session for the participants who attended.

Mr. Lawrence Omare-Mensah, Executive Secretary and CEO of The West African Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (WAIMM), served as the main speaker for the seminar.

With years of experience in the industry, Mr. Omari-Mensah shared invaluable insights into the benefits awaiting members of WAIMM, particularly students aspiring to pursue careers in mining, metallurgy, and petroleum.

The presence of Dr. Philip Kwasi Mensah, Head of the Department for Applied Physics, and Dr. Casmed Charles Amadu, Head of the Department for Earth Science, at the seminar, provided a platform for students to grasp the significance of WAIMM in shaping their professional trajectories.

Dr. Mensah and Dr. Amadu, in their addresses, emphasised the pivotal role WAIMM plays in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academia and the practical demands of the industry.

The patron of the WAIMM CKT-UTAS Chapter, Mr. Abdul Rasheed Mohammed, guided students through orientation, shedding light on the benefits awaiting members. He underscored the importance of networking opportunities, professional development resources, and access to industry events that WAIMM membership affords.

Mr. Omari-Mensah’s keynote address was not only insightful but also brought tangible opportunities for students. He announced the availability of a scholarship scheme and encouraged students to apply to unlock the benefits of financial assistance for their education and career advancement.

Additionally, Mr. Omari-Mensah’s gesture of donating a GPS device to the Department of Earth Science showcased WAIMM’s commitment to supporting academic institutions.

Furthermore, his promise to provide further support with additional devices exemplified WAIMM’s dedication to fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

The seminar concluded with a sense of optimism and motivation among the attendees. Students left equipped with a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, as well as a renewed appreciation for the role of WAIMM in facilitating this connection.