An alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), Ing. Professor Julius Caesar Puoza, has assumed office as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University (STU).

Professor Puoza, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering-Manufacturing, succeeds Professor Evans Zoya Kpamma, who served as Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor from January to August 31, 2026.

His appointment comes as STU marks its 60th anniversary and seeks to strengthen its focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), research and industry-oriented skills development.

Professor Puoza obtained two degrees from KNUST: a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Mathematics.

He has since built a career spanning more than 13 years in teaching and research, with interests in the tribology of mechanical systems, laser surface texturing, metal machining, mathematical modelling, integrated design and manufacturing, engineering education and sustainable engineering.

He has authored 27 journal publications and supervised more than 65 students at HND, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Before assuming his new role, Professor Puoza served in several leadership positions at STU, including Dean of Graduate Programmes, Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He had served as Dean of Graduate Programmes since September 2023 and has been an Associate Professor since January 2023.

His work has also extended beyond teaching and research into practical engineering innovation. He led a team that designed and manufactured an electric elevator lift for existing university buildings, an innovation that contributed to STU winning the Best Innovative Award at the third Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana in 2024.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the fabrication of 50 Veronica bucket stands for STU and has contributed to the development of curricula for Bachelor of Technology programmes in Agricultural Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Professor Puoza is a Professional Engineer and member of the Ghana Institution of Engineering and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He has also received specialised training in science advice and sustainable energy auditing.