Ouagadougou: The Doctoral School of Computer Science and Climate Change (ED-ICC) at Joseph KI-Zerbo University celebrated the graduation of its fourth Master’s cohort in Computer Science Applied to Climate Change. The ceremony, held on Monday, featured 13 students from 10 West African countries who presented innovative tools to address climate change challenges.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the graduates underwent comprehensive training designed to equip them with the skills necessary for sustainable development solutions. “We received comprehensive training. We are ready and able to bring our solution to society,” stated the class representative, Aim© Gnonla, emphasizing their readiness to contribute to society with the effective training they received.

The graduates hail from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. Their 18-month intensive training culminated in a master’s degree defense. Professor Amad© Ou©draogo, director of the ED-ICC, praised the students’ ability to combine scientific rigor and commitment in the demanding program.

The program recruits only one candidate per country within the WASCAL network, selecting from those with bachelor’s degrees in life and earth sciences, engineering sciences, and social and economic sciences. The curriculum requires strong computer science and English language skills and aims to train scientists capable of addressing ecological challenges through data, modeling, and advanced technologies.

Professor Ou©draogo highlighted the topics tackled by the class, which included land degradation, waste management, agricultural hydraulics, and plant disease detection. The class achieved an impressive defense average of 17.77/20, reflecting their dedication and the supportive learning environment.

Professor Jean Marie Dipama, the class sponsor, encouraged graduates to apply their skills to solve regional climate issues. Joseph KI-Zerbo University President, Professor Jean Fran§ois Silas Kobian©, emphasized the training’s value in providing actionable solutions to improve lives.

The graduation ceremony included diploma presentations, certificates of honor, and artistic performances. The Master’s program at ED-ICC is supported by the WASCAL center, reinforcing its commitment to developing solutions for climate change.