The College of Science of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has achieved remarkable success in securing significant grants, highlighting its excellence in research and innovation across diverse fields. In the 2023/24 academic year, the College secured thirty-six (36) grants totalling approximately $5,004,621, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $1,400,000. This was announced by the Provost, Professor Leonard Kofitse Amekudzi, in the College's report for the 58th Congregation Ceremonies.
Professor Amekudzi highlighted some notable achievements, including a £400,000 grant from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) secured by Professor Reginald A. Annan and his team to conduct the first comprehensive breast cancer studies in Africa. Additionally, Professor Annan, along with Dr. Lutterodt, Dr. Apprey, and Esi Aduku, has secured over $1,300,000 for three projects under the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) Centre of Excellence. The Center of Excellence, funded by prestigious organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation, Seerave Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the American Heart Association, focuses on unlocking the potential of food composition data for improving human and planetary health. It also emphasizes capacity building in robust food quality and safety, Professor Amekudzi added.
In the area of teaching and learning, Professor Amekudzi reported that the College is equipped with state-of-the-art robust audio-visuals to facilitate teaching and learning. The equipment contributes to a friendly atmosphere for teaching and learning by which students are exposed to latest developments in the technology.
The motivational speaker for the sessions, Dr Josephine Akuba Timtey, the Chief Executive Officer of Timtey’s Enterprise, congratulated the graduates on achieving such a significant milestone. She advised them to remain focused and determined as they step into the world, emphasising that these qualities are the keys to success in every endeavour. According to Dr. Timtey, focus and determination lead to mastery, and mastery leads to success. She urged the graduates to discover their passion, nurture it, and dedicate their energy to it. “You don’t have to know every step of the journey now but commit to the steps you do know. Focus will guide you through the unknown,” she said.
Mr. Prince Paa Kwesi Baiden, the overall best-graduating student of the College appreciated their families, lecturers, and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout their academic journey. He urged his fellow graduates to remain committed to their goals, highlighting that the road ahead is filled with opportunities to grow, serve, and inspire. He encouraged them to embrace the future with a mindset of learning from every step and striving for excellence. “Let us use the lessons we have learned to build a brighter future for the world around us.”
On the College’s graduating statistics, the College of Science presented Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One (2,271) undergraduates, distributed as Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five (1,365) males (about 60%) and Nine Hundred and Five (905) females (about 40%).
