Kumasi Technical University Holds its 20Th Congregation for Over 3,200 Students
Picture: The Best Graduating Student for the 20th Congregation receiving her citation.
Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) held its 20th Congregation ceremony on Saturday, 20th January, 2024 at the New Great Hall of the University. A total of 3,212 students graduated from various programmes, including Master of Technology (MTech), Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Higher National Diploma (HND), Professional Diploma, Ordinary Diploma, and Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) Diploma programmes.
Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of KsTU, in his address, congratulated the graduands for their dedication and hard work. He further congratulated the graduands for their dedication and steadfastness.
The Vice-Chancellor presented a breakdown of the graduands, revealing their outstanding academic performances. Notably, 79 students had first-class honours, 375 had second-class upper division, 366 with second-class lower division and 22 with a pass in the non-tertiary (Diploma) programmes. In addition, 1,413 students were awarded Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates with 115 achieving first-class honours.
Picture: The Vice-Chancellor addressing the Congregation
Moreover, 947 students completed Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes while 10 Master of Technology (MTech) students were honoured during the ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the Institution’s steady progress in staffing with an increase in the number of lecturers, including 116 PhD holders. The University also emphasised its commitment to infrastructural development and international collaborations, having close to 50 collaborative arrangements with institutions globally. He acknowledged the collaboration with the Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence which is aimed to train over 10,000 individuals in ICT. The VC said, the University's initiatives, including the completion of a WIFI and Data Centre Project, were aimed at promoting blended learning.
He also highlighted the University's achievements, including increasing enrolment and also securing Two million Ghana Cedis from the Ghana National Gas Company Ltd. to retool the Institution’s Oil and Gas Laboratory. Prof. Dwomoh, however, pointed out some challenges facing the University, including insufficient staff and the non-release of GetFund allocation. He appealed to the Government to grant clearance for staff recruitment and facilitate timely release of funds to complete the Faculty of Creative Arts and Technology project.
The representative of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, Nana (Prof.) Mensah Bonsu the Asakyirihene also addressed the gathering. He commended the Asantehene's commitment to technical education and his vision for graduates of institutions like KsTU expecting them to play pivotal roles in national development.
His Royal Majesty through his Representative encouraged the graduands to persevere in their academic journey, even beyond KsTU, and approach challenges and opportunities with an open mind and continue to be thirsty for knowledge.
The Hon. Minister of Education's representative acknowledged the progress of KsTU and highlighted Government’s initiatives to transform education, including STEM through roadshows, STEMNNOVATION competition and the introduction of the Pre-engineering Programme for non-science graduates.
Picture: A section of the graduating students during the congregation ceremony
The graduation of over 3,200 students from KsTU signifies a significant contribution to Ghana's skilled workforce. The graduates will join various industries and sectors, applying their knowledge and skills to drive innovation, economic growth and development. The ceremony also highlighted the critical role of technical education in Ghana's future and the importance of continued support from stakeholders like the Government and the traditional authorities.
