KEEP Scholar Impact: Engineering a Sustainable Future Through Circular Innovation

The journey from academic research to industrial impact is rarely seamless, but for Theophilus Baidoo, a 2023 Master of Philosophy graduate in Chemical Engineering and a proud KEEP scholar, that transition was empowered by strategic support and opportunity. As a Process Engineer at Zeal Environmental Technologies, Theophilus is at the forefront of Ghana’s efforts to manage oilfield waste sustainably, turning environmental challenges into circular economy solutions.

Theophilus’s path to becoming a KEEP scholar began within the halls of KNUST itself. While serving as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Petroleum Engineering, he witnessed firsthand the academic advancement and opportunities afforded to scholars under the KNUST Engineering Education Project (KEEP).

“Observing the progress of colleagues and seniors in the program was truly motivating,” Theophilus recalls. “Being selected as a scholar following my admission interview was an honour and a pivotal moment in my academic journey.”

For Theophilus, the value of KEEP extended far beyond tuition relief. He identifies two pillars as most transformative: comprehensive financial support and strategic industry internships.

“The scholarship allowed me to dedicate myself wholly to my research without financial distraction, which was fundamental to achieving academic excellence,” he explains. “But perhaps even more crucial was KEEP management’s proactive role in securing industry internships. That professional exposure was invaluable. It helped me identify the skills that industry truly needed, refined my technical knowledge, and essentially built a bridge from my academic studies to my professional career.”

Upon graduating in November 2023, Theophilus seamlessly transitioned into his role at Zeal Environmental Technologies, Ghana’s premier integrated oilfield waste management company. Here, he applies his chemical engineering expertise to design and optimise process systems, championing the conversion of complex industrial waste streams into valuable resources.

His commitment to growth didn’t stop at graduation. Driven by a passion for Research and Development (R&D), he has actively pursued advanced certifications, including becoming a Lead Auditor for ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), and 9001 (Quality Management). He has also engaged in specialised training on Life Cycle Assessment and Decarbonization through collaborations with KNUST and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).

“The problem-solving and time-management skills honed during my thesis work at KNUST and are directly applicable every day,” Theophilus notes. “Furthermore, the professional networking emphasis within KEEP has given me a lasting community. The connections I made remain active, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaborations that are vital to my work.”

Looking to the future, Theophilus carries a clear vision for the impact he hopes to create. His goals are twofold and deeply interconnected.

“First, I aspire to be a catalyst for stronger synergy between industry and academia,” he states. “I believe research should directly inform industrial practice, and I want to help build that collaborative bridge.”

His second goal centres on his daily work: advancing the circular economy. “My long-term aim is to develop more sustainable, environmentally friendly waste management strategies. It’s about mitigating the industry's environmental impact and promoting true environmental stewardship. Every process we optimise is a step toward a more sustainable future for Ghana and beyond.”

Theophilus Baidoo’s story is a powerful testament to the core mission of the KEEP program: to develop world-class engineering graduates who are not only technically proficient but also professionally prepared to drive innovation and address national and global challenges. From the labs of KNUST to the processing plants of a leading environmental firm, his journey underscores how targeted educational support can fuel a career dedicated to sustainable development and tangible societal impact.