The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has honoured 55 outstanding students at the Fourth Vice-Chancellor’s Student Excellence Awards (VCSEA), recognising achievements in academic excellence, leadership, innovation and service.
Held under the theme, "Celebrating Students’ Exploits: Honouring Academic Excellence, Leadership and Innovations," the ceremony celebrated student achievements between 2024 and 2026 across more than 40 award categories.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, described the awards as one of the University's flagship events because they are devoted entirely to recognising students and promoting a culture of excellence.
He said excellence is not accidental but is built on vision, discipline, resilience, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
"The Vice-Chancellor's Student Excellence Awards were instituted with a clear purpose: to recognise and celebrate students who have distinguished themselves in various aspects of university life while inspiring others to pursue excellence with equal determination," he said.
Professor Asamoah congratulated the award recipients for their dedication and perseverance, saying their achievements reflected much more than natural ability.
"Behind every certificate, every medal and every citation lie countless hours of study, missed social events, difficult choices, failed attempts, resit and supplementary examinations, renewed determination and unwavering commitment," he said.
He urged the awardees to view the recognition as a call to greater responsibility, encouraging them to become ethical leaders, responsible professionals, compassionate citizens and innovative problem-solvers capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
Professor Asamoah also encouraged students who were not honoured to remain committed to their goals, reminding them that success is a journey rather than a single moment of recognition.
He reaffirmed KNUST's commitment to producing graduates who are intellectually curious, technologically competent, ethically grounded, socially responsible and entrepreneurially innovative. He added that, in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation and climate change, universities must prepare graduates who can think critically, collaborate effectively and solve real-world problems.
Chairperson of the planning committee, Professor Samuel Amos-Abanyie, said the committee received 290 nominations through an online portal. Following a rigorous assessment of academic performance, leadership, service, referee reports and supporting evidence, 146 finalists were shortlisted, with 55 students ultimately selected for the awards.
"These are students of good standing who have set themselves apart among their peers. Today, they have been seen and recognised for their exceptional contributions to the University community," he said.
Professor Amos-Abanyie also commended the colleges, directorates, departments, chaplaincies, student bodies, sponsors and planning committee members whose contributions ensured the successful organisation of the awards.
Story: Akosua Bandoh Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
