The University for Development Studies (UDS) continues to strengthen its international academic profile as Associate Professor Rikiatu Husseini of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment (FNRE) has successfully completed a prestigious month-long international professional development programme in Wood Science and Forest Products at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

The intensive workshop, which ran from 1st to 30th June 2026, brought together lecturers and researchers from leading Ghanaian tertiary and research institutions to enhance their expertise in sustainable forestry, wood science, forest products, and natural resource management. The programme forms part of the broader BCDI 2030 – Best Practices in Sustainable Natural Resources Management initiative.

Participants were drawn from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), creating a rich platform for interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

Throughout the programme, participants received advanced training in modern technologies, innovative research methodologies, and globally accepted standards in forestry, wood science, and forest product utilization. The workshop uniquely combined classroom instruction with laboratory experiments, industry-based exposure, field demonstrations, and practical hands-on training to provide participants with real-world experience.

As part of the practical sessions, Prof. Husseini undertook extensive training at Lakehead University's state-of-the-art wood science testing laboratories, portable sawmill, and wood workshop. The experience is expected to significantly enrich her teaching by exposing students to modern approaches in wood science, timber utilization, and laboratory-based learning while strengthening practical components of forestry education at UDS.

The workshop also exposed participants to Canada's globally acclaimed sustainable forest management systems, highlighting how forestry, industry, academia, and government collaborate to ensure responsible forest resource management while driving innovation and economic development.

During the programme, Prof. Husseini visited state-managed forests where she gained valuable insights into silvicultural practices designed to improve wood quality. She also toured major industrial facilities, including the Domtar Sawmill, the Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill, advanced technology centres, and Lakehead University's Instrumentation Laboratories. These visits provided firsthand experience in cutting-edge wood testing, processing, and value-addition technologies that have practical relevance to teaching, research, and industrial application.

The programme further provided opportunities to engage with forestry professionals, officials from Canada's Ministry of Natural Resources, urban foresters, and leaders in the wood products industry. These interactions deepened participants' understanding of social forestry and sustainable natural resource governance while broadening their professional networks. Prof. Husseini described the knowledge and experience gained during the workshop as invaluable to her professional growth and future academic work.

Beyond individual professional development, the workshop presents significant strategic benefits for the University for Development Studies. The advanced knowledge and practical skills acquired will strengthen teaching and curriculum delivery within the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, enhance research capacity in forestry and wood science, and improve students' exposure to internationally recognised best practices. The experience also positions UDS to deepen its contribution to sustainable natural resource management, innovation, and industry-oriented research in Ghana.

Equally important, the programme reinforces the existing collaboration between UDS and Lakehead University by creating new opportunities for joint research, staff and student exchanges, collaborative grant applications, academic publications, and the sharing of expertise and research infrastructure. These partnerships are expected to further enhance UDS' international visibility while expanding opportunities for faculty and students to participate in globally competitive research and innovation initiatives.

Programme Funding and Leadership

The one-month workshop was fully supported through a scholarship under the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) programme. BCDI 2030 is funded by Global Affairs Canada and administered by Universities Canada. The programme was led and facilitated by Professor Mathew Leitch of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management at Lakehead University, who serves as the BCDI 2030 Project Lead.

Story by: Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media