The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has held its virtual matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students for the 2024/2025 academic year. The ceremony marked the official induction of the freshmen into the university community.
“This year, KNUST received a total of 92,975 applications. Out of this, 69,882 applicants met the basic entry requirements for admission. However, due to some constraints, the University admitted a total of 50,895 applicants, made up of 11,084 postgraduate students and 39,811 undergraduate students,” revealed Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST.
She continued: "Presently, a total of 26,612 applicants have registered.
"Among the postgraduate cohort, 3,017 are females (38.8%), while 4,760 are males (61.2%). At the undergraduate level, 8,407 students are females (44.6%), and 10,428 are males (55.4%). Overall, females constitute approximately 43% of the total student population."
This upward trajectory in female enrollment is noteworthy when compared to previous years. In the 2019/2020 academic year, KNUST admitted 22,011 students, with females accounting for 8,822 (40%) and males 13,189 (60%).
This marked an increase of 827 female students from the prior year, achieving the 40% female population milestone.
This progress was largely attributed to the Vice-Chancellor's special initiative launched in August 2016, aimed at encouraging more females to pursue studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
By March 2020, female admissions had risen to 41%, further demonstrating the university's dedication to creating a balanced academic environment.
The Vice-Chancellor again urged students to embrace the digital tools and resources available at KNUST, including the KNUST Virtual Classroom and the E-Learning Centre’s training sessions.
“These resources will equip you with essential skills for excelling in your studies,” she noted.
Professor Dickson further encouraged students to make maximum use of the services of the Directorate of Students Affairs, the KNUST Counselling Centre, and all the support systems available to enrich their KNUST experience. She assured students of KNUST’s enhanced security measures to ensure their safety.
Sharing some words of advice, the Vice-Chancellor said, “The road ahead will not always be smooth. There will be challenges, late-night studies, deadlines to meet, and so on. Always remember you are here because we believe in your potential. With determination, hard work, and God on your side, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Set high academic goals, push yourself beyond your limits, and take advantage of every opportunity this University provides.”
Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng, the Registrar, administered the matriculation oath to the newly admitted students.
