Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) which was formerly known as Kumasi Polytechnic has held its maiden Matriculation Ceremony for the 2016/2017 Academic year at the Volley Ball Court of the University on Tuesday, 15th November, 2016. KsTU has actually gone through a process of evolution. This is to say that despite the fact that this year’s matriculation was seen as the first in the life of the “ new” Technical University, the Institution itself was established in 1954 as Kumasi Technical Institute to offer craft courses. It was later on converted into a non- tertiary Polytechnic status under the Ghana Education Service to offer Technical, Diploma and Sub-Professional courses. It was later elevated to a tertiary institution status under the Polytechnic Law, 1992 (PNDC L.321) to provide high calibre skilled manpower in Manufacturing, Commerce, Science and Technology to ensure rapid technological development. However, with the passage of the Technical University Act, 2016 (Act 922) the Institution has assumed a full-fledged university status.
At the Matriculation Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor N.N.N Nsowah-Nuamah in his address stated that during 2016/2017 admission period, Kumasi Technical University admitted a total number of five thousand, four hundred and ninety-one (5,491) students which was made up of three thousand five hundred and seventy-four (3,574) males and one thousand nine hundred and forty-four (1,944) females. These students were admitted into the seven faculties of the University and one Institute. These faculties were Health Sciences, Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Built and Natural Environment, Creative Arts and Technology, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development, Business School and the Institute for Distance Learning and Continuing Education.
The V.C enlightened freshmen and women on the need to view the Matriculation Ceremony as a significant event as this rite of passage legitimises their status as students of Kumasi Technical University. He further stated that the underpinning importance of this ceremony lies in the oath they have solemnly sworn. He also advised the students to eschew all social vices such as alcoholism, unbridled sexual lives, provocative dressing, drug abuse and uncouth behaviours among others. The V.C again underscored the need for these freshmen and women to ensure that the number of years that they will spend in the Institution is vital in their intellectual and moral development. The fresh students were also cautioned against examination mal-practices since it can lead to their dismissal.
He finally congratulated the freshmen and women for their efforts and reminded them that KsTU is a community of intellectuals which imposes some rights and responsibilities on them. They should therefore be disciplined in order for them to maintain their membership of that community.