Graduate School Achieves Milestone as 15 MTech Candidates Defend Theses at KsTU

The Graduate School of Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) held its annual Postgraduate Thesis Oral Examination at the JICA Conference Centre from Thursday, 5th September 2024 to Friday, 6th September, 2024, marking a significant academic milestone. For two days, 15 Master of Technology (MTech) students presented their researched theses for examination, setting a new record for the highest number of participants in a single event.

The opening ceremony on day one was chaired by Prof. Robert Dery Nagre, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, who expressed pride in the achievement of the Graduate School. He emphasised that the event underscored the rigorous academic standards of KsTU and reflected the dedication of both the students and faculty.

The oral defense, also known as viva voce, saw students presenting their research in various fields such as Water and Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Among the candidates were Racheal Fosu Donkoh, Frank Konadu Yeboah, Collins Ohene-Adjei, Peter Dinko, Evans Nana Boakye Yiadom, Linda Abaortey, and Richmond Nii Addotey Nubour. Due to geographical constraints, some candidates presented via Zoom, while others delivered their presentations in person.

Each student’s thesis was carefully scrutinised by a distinguished panel of supervisors, internal and external examiners, who provided valuable feedback and ensured that the research met the University's high academic standards. Prof. Nagre, as Chairman for Day 1, led the examination process, which included thorough questioning, supervisor comments, and external examiners' evaluations.

Day two of the event was chaired by Prof. Roland Songotu Kabange, Dean of the Graduate School. The students who presented included Jawula Nuhuman (MTech Applied Statistics: Financial Statistics), Bipuah Sumani, Oscar Balaabong, Felix Nana Yaw Cobbinah, Julius Asamoah-Ntow, Nortey Enoch Nii Klu, Shadrack Yeboah Ofori, and William Kwakwo Mensah, all from the MTech Water and Environmental Engineering programme. The students presented their research, which covered critical areas of water, environmental, and financial statistics engineering.

Throughout the two days, the students demonstrated exceptional knowledge in their fields of study, impressing the panel with their presentations. After the rigorous Q&A sessions and evaluations, all 15 students successfully defended their theses.

The Graduate School Programmes Coordinator, Dr. Kwame Owusu Sarpong, served as both the Master of Ceremonies and timekeeper for the event, ensuring that the proceedings ran smoothly. In his closing remarks, Prof. Kabange commended the students for their hard work and determination, emphasising the importance of research in addressing societal challenges.

The Postgraduate Thesis Oral Examination at KsTU serves as a testament to the University's commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of professionals and scholars.