The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has held a four-day orientation programme for newly elected student leaders. The orientation programme took place from 26th to 29th August 2024 at the Block C Auditorium of the KNUST School of Business.
During the opening session, Professor Wilson Agyei Agyare, the Director at DoSA, congratulated the newly elected executives and emphasised the significance of their new leadership roles. He appealed to the new student leaders to join hands with the University’s Management to stir the affairs of the University. He encouraged them to collaborate with the University’s Administration in managing student affairs effectively. He urged the leaders to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus environment, embracing their responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication.
Mrs. Theodora Oduro, a Senior Assistant Registrar at DoSA, focused her presentation on building an efficient working team. She emphasised the importance of teamwork in every aspect of life. She explained that effective teamwork combines complementary skills, helps set clear goals to enhance productivity. She stressed on the need for student leaders to form teams rather than groups, as teams share responsibilities, while groups may foster unhealthy competition. She also highlighted behaviours that can undermine teamwork, such as withdrawal from discussions, excessive disagreement, aggressiveness, and seeking unsolicited recognition. To build a successful team, she advised balancing personal and team visions, maintaining open communication, managing conflicts effectively, and developing emotional intelligence.
Ms. Lucy Diawuo, the Deputy Registrar at the College of Health Sciences, KNUST, provided insights into the University's Administrative System. She explained the importance of understanding the internal and external constituencies of the University. Internally, these include Senior Members, Junior Members, Senior Staff, and Junior Staff, while external constituencies consist of various stakeholders. She also discussed the legal framework governing the University, including the KNUST Act of 1961 (Act 80), and emphasised the need for student leaders to build healthy relationships with the University authorities while exercising humility.
Mrs. Millicent Owusu Nyako, Deputy Head of the University Security Services, delivered a presentation on the theme "Security-Our Collective Concern and Responsibility." She outlined various security measures implemented on the University campus, including patrolling, traffic control, intelligence gathering, investigations, and the use of electronic security solutions. Mrs. Owusu Nyako stressed that students also have a role to play in securing a peaceful KNUST by participating in security training programmes, educating their peers on security matters, familiarising themselves with emergency helplines, and adhering to University rules, regulations, and policies.
Professor William Gariba Akanwariwiak addressed the challenges faced by student leaders. He highlighted some of such challenges as time management, lack of cooperation, making unrealistic promises, lack of vision, and corruption. He offered practical solutions to mitigate these challenges, such as understanding the interests of students, engaging in tactful dialogue, and fostering team building. He also outlined the essential qualities a student leader should possess, including good academic records, good interpersonal communication skills, moral integrity, and a balanced temperament.
Mr. Moses Tsiquaye, the Internal Auditor of University, provided detailed information on the auditing and procurement processes that student leaders should be aware of. He emphasised that the management of student funds and resources should be guided by strict principles of transparency and accountability. He stressed the importance of avoiding any form of financial misconduct, as student leaders are not only accountable to their peers but also to the University Management. He encouraged the leaders to seek guidance from the Internal Audit Office of the University when in doubt, as proper financial management is critical to the success of their leadership tenure.
Mr. Christopher Addo, Senior Assistant Registrar at the Institute of Distance Learning, gave a presentation on “Social Media: Usefulness and Challenges for the Student Leader.” He highlighted the significant role social media plays in modern leadership, noting its power as a tool for communication, advocacy, and community engagement. He pointed out the potential downsides of social media, such as negative feedback and unintended fallout, and encouraged leaders to be mindful of the content they share, as it can have long-lasting implications, both positive and negative.
The participants were taken through other topics such as Understanding and Working with Basic Accounting Principles, Preparing Realistic Budgets, and Managing Financial Processes. These sessions aimed to equip the student leaders with the necessary skills needed to effectively manage their new roles and responsibilities.
