The Counselling Centre at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has held its annual psychoeducational seminar for first-year students, aimed at equipping them with skills to adjust to the academic, social and emotional demands of university life.
The Acting Head of the KNUST Counselling Centre (KCC), Dr. Joseph Asamoah-Gyawu, said the initiative, introduced in 2016, was designed to provide students with practical life skills beyond classroom instruction.
“University life comes with academic pressure, emotional challenges and social changes,” he said. “This programme is designed to help students navigate that transition successfully.”
Deputy Registrar at the Directorate of Student Affairs and former Head of KCC, Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Agyei, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to student welfare.
“Once you come to KNUST, the university becomes your home,” she said. “The Directorate of Student Affairs and the Counselling Centre are here to support you emotionally, psychologically, socially and academically.”
She encouraged students to make use of counselling services and to reject the stigma associated with seeking help.
“It is okay not to be okay,” Mrs. De-Graft Agyei said. “Do not suffer in silence. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.”
She also urged students to familiarise themselves with university policies by reading the Student Guide.
“Ignorance is not an excuse,” she cautioned. “The Student Guide contains everything you need to know about your stay at KNUST.”
Students were further advised to activate their official university communication platforms and follow approved channels for updates on identification cards, academic notices and administrative processes.
Delivering a presentation titled “Grade A Mindset: Building Habits for Academic Success,” Clinical Psychologist Ms. Joan Soribang emphasised discipline, consistency and mindset as critical determinants of academic performance.
“Success is not based on intelligence alone,” she said. “Your habits, routines and attitudes play a significant role in your academic performance.”
Ms. Soribang introduced the concept of a growth mindset, encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities for development rather than barriers.
“Students with a growth mindset believe abilities can be developed through effort, strategy and persistence,” she said.
She identified common challenges affecting students, including procrastination, poor sleep patterns, excessive social media use and unstructured study habits.
To improve productivity, she recommended structured study schedules and focused study intervals.
“Study with intention,” she said. “For example, use focused 25-minute study periods followed by short breaks. It improves concentration and retention.”
She also stressed the importance of sleep, nutrition and physical well-being.
“Research shows that adequate sleep is critical for memory consolidation,” she said. “Aim for consistent rest to keep your mind and body functioning optimally.”
A panel discussion featuring counselling psychologist Mrs. Bernice S.O. Peasah, clinical psychologist Ms. Akua Afriyie, and Pastor Dr. Timothy Kwabena Adjei, a lecturer in the Department of Gynaecology, provided practical insights on managing relationships and personal development.
The panellists emphasised that communication is central to healthy relationships, whether romantic, academic or social.
“Watch out for red flags, respect each other’s space, and when something does not sit well with you, talk about it,” Pastor Dr. Adjei urged.
