The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi will reintroduce oral examinations for all master’s students, starting with the graduating class of November 2025, the Director of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), Professor Michael Poku-Boansi, announced today.

Speaking at the morning session of the 58th Special Congregation at the Great Hall, Prof Poku-Boansi said the reintroduction, pending approval by the Academic Board, will be decentralised to the various colleges to ensure effective implementation. The SGS will provide logistical and administrative support for the rollout.

He said the measure aims to strengthen the assessment of graduate students and improve the quality of postgraduate education at KNUST.

“All master’s students will undertake oral examinations, and the necessary structures are being put in place to ensure its smooth rollout,” he said.

Prof Poku-Boansi also announced the SGS had engaged stakeholders to address initial concerns with the university’s Online Thesis Deposition and Management System, and improve the system’s usability.

“We have received valuable feedback, which will be incorporated to ensure that the platform is user-friendly and meets the needs of both students and faculty,” he said.

Training sessions will be organised for students, supervisors and heads of department to ensure smooth adoption of the system.

As part of broader efforts to digitise operations, Prof Poku-Boansi said the SGS had launched a document scanning initiative to enhance records management.

The project aims to create a secure digital archive for permanent preservation and faster retrieval of student and institutional records.

He congratulated the graduating class and urged them to reflect the university’s values in their professional lives.

“Make something happen, enhance your life, help a friend, and let the love of humanity guide you,” he said.

A total of 4,965 postgraduate students were presented at the 58th Special Congregation, comprising 2,608 males (59.4%) and 1,785 females (40.6%). They included 118 PhD graduates, 433 MPhil graduates and 4,414 recipients of MSc and other equivalent degrees.