The Faculty of Built Environment (FoBE) at the College of Art and Built Environment (CABE), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has launched the Undergraduate Student Research Awards and Honours initiative to recognise and celebrate outstanding undergraduate research achievements.
The initiative, launched under the theme "Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence: Inspiring Innovation and Rewarding Research," aims to foster a culture that encourages undergraduate students to pursue research, innovation and academic excellence.
Speaking at the launch, the Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment, Professor Emmanuel Adinyira, said the initiative was inspired by the recent KNUST Research Excellence Awards ceremony and the need to recognise undergraduate students for their academic contributions.
"I thought that sort of experience could ignite something in them to work harder and become the next generation of researchers, professionals, engineers and innovative entrepreneurs," he said.
Professor Adinyira noted that although undergraduate students consistently demonstrate creativity, resilience and innovation in studios, lecture rooms and field projects, many of their achievements often go unrecognised.
He said the initiative would help students strengthen their academic portfolios, improve their prospects for scholarships and graduate school admissions, and enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
Chairperson of the Awards Committee, Dr. Henry Mensah, said the initiative was designed to address a gap in which many students graduate with little evidence of academic distinction beyond their certificates and transcripts.
He explained that the awards would provide students with additional recognition and credentials that could strengthen both their academic and professional opportunities.
Also addressing the gathering, the Provost of the College of Art and Built Environment, Professor Christian Koranteng, commended the faculty leadership and the awards committee for establishing the initiative and expressed hope that similar programmes would eventually be extended to other faculties within the College.
He encouraged students to pursue excellence with humility and integrity, stressing that academic success should extend beyond grades and certificates.
Professor Koranteng urged students to use their talents and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to national and continental development.
"Africa's challenges will be solved by people like you. This is not a burden but a privilege. The privilege of being alive in a moment when what you do actually matters," he said.
