The Faculty of Social Sciences, reputed as the biggest Faculty of KNUST in terms of student population, has presented 1,043 graduands at the 45th Congregation ceremony on the third day for award of degrees. As a centre of excellence in teaching, research and provision of services to the community, the Faculty has over the years trained distinguished social scientists for the socio-economic development of Ghana and beyond.
The Faculty comprises seven academic Departments namely, Economics, English, Geography and Rural Development, History and Political Studies. The rest are Departments of Modern Languages, Religious Studies, and Sociology & Social Work. Out of the total graduands, 58 graduated with First Class degrees, 529 with Second Class (Upper Division), and another 399 Second Class (Upper Division) degrees, and the remaining 57 obtained Pass degrees.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor W.O. Ellis, in a speech at the Congregation, emphasised the significance of social sciences and other programmes in humanities as vital for making science and technology-related programmes relevant and beneficial to society. He revealed that plans are underway for the Faculty to launch Bachelor of Arts programme in Chinese Language from the 2011/2012 academic year.
Professor Ellis admonished the graduands to exhibit the core values of leadership in innovation and technology so as to sustain a culture of excellence wherever they may be. He underscored the need for the graduands to emulate some renowned social scientists who have played pivotal roles in serving humanity. He challenged the graduands to work hard and find solutions to current societal problems including homosexuality, streetism, child abuse, drug addiction, among others.
The overall best student of the Faculty, Miss Nana Fatima Dauda, in a presentation on behalf of her colleagues was very appreciative for the Divine grace and protection throughout their study period at KNUST. She acknowledged lecturers and entire management of the University for making their goal a reality and further thanked parents and guardians for their unflinching support to their wards in diverse ways.
She again expressed deepest gratitude to the Government of Ghana on behalf of her fellow foreign students "for the opportunity to study in the country's best University". She admitted that though their studies were full of challenges, with faith in God, focus, diligence, determination, perseverance and self-control they had been able to succeed eventually.
