The College of Art and Built Environment (CABE) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has lauded the outstanding academic achievements, creativity and resilience of the 2025 graduating class at the University’s 59th Congregation.

Delivering his address, Provost of the College, Professor Christian Koranteng described the ceremony as “a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and intellectual growth.”

He emphasised that the success of the 1,797 undergraduate students reflects both individual dedication and the strong academic foundation provided by the College.

Professor Koranteng urged the graduating class to deploy their knowledge not only for personal advancement but also for the upliftment of society.

“Your entry into society will be a force for good. Go forth and contribute your quota to the nation, lifting high the flag of KNUST,” he charged.

He revealed that the graduating cohort comprised 767 students from the Faculty of Art, 970 from the Faculty of Built Environment and 59 from the Faculty of Educational Studies. Males formed 61% of the total and females 39%.

“Out of this number, a total of 342 students attained First Class Honours, while 965 graduated with Second Class Upper, 471 with Second Class Lower and 19 with a Pass,” he said.

The Provost highlighted the College’s academic structure, comprising three Faculties and 11 Departments, and emphasised its role in creative arts, sustainable cities, land management, infrastructure development and teacher education.

He noted that the College recorded a student population of 9,170 in the year under review, supported by 247 teaching staff and 86 administrative, senior and junior staff.

He called for strengthened recruitment to meet the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s student lecturer ratio. “It is imperative that we advocate for strategic recruitment to safeguard quality teaching and learning outcomes,” he said.

He further outlined key achievements across teaching, research, community engagement and innovation.

“Our Faculty members have produced more than 400 publications in reputable journals, while departments undertook several community initiatives, including literacy clubs in six basic schools and leatherwork training for young girls in Ayeduase,” he added.

Professor Koranteng also spotlighted CABE’s contributions to innovation and community engagement. Among the most notable projects is the Nyansapo E IMO, an electric indigenous vehicle co developed by students from the Departments of Indigenous Art and Technology and Automobile Engineering.

“The vehicle, adorned with Ghanaian cultural symbols and powered by a lithium battery motor, reflects the College’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and a testament to our collective creativity, cultural pride and transformative education,” the Provost said.

He also acknowledged recent awards, including honours from the Vice Chancellor’s Students’ Excellence Awards, the Ghana Teacher Prize and the prestigious Arthur Rotch Prize at MIT won by alumnus Courage Kpodo, the first Ghanaian recipient.

The Provost commended major donations, including a GIS Laboratory renovation and equipment support from Francis Asenso Boakye, and contributions from staff and students of the Faculty of Built Environment that supported 200 needy students.

“This act of compassion reflects the spirit of solidarity and stewardship that defines our community,” he said.

Advising graduands, the Provost encouraged them to embrace gratitude, resilience and purpose.

“Your past is not your prison. Grace can find you. Perseverance can carry you to heights you never imagined,” he said.

Professor Koranteng urged parents and guardians to be transformative, kind, present, caring, intentional and loving. “We need you to be more than providers. Be protectors of hope, architects of healing and stewards of destiny. Speak life, listen deeply, bless your children with your time, your tenderness and your love,” he urged.

He announced Mr. Felix Quaicoe Baidoo of the Department of Land Economy as the Overall Best Graduating Student, graduating with a CWA of 83.07.

“Felix stands today as a beacon of inspiration to his peers and a proud ambassador of our institutional values,” he said.