The Global Alumni Association of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), has presented scholarships to its second cohort of beneficiaries to help cover fees, accommodation and living expenses.

The awards were presented at the launch of the 14th Global Biennial Congress and Alumni Homecoming, where the university also launched a mentorship programme to prepare outgoing student leaders for life after university.

The Director of Students Affairs, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, said the initiatives would provide financial assistance to students in need and structured guidance for student leaders entering the world of work.

She said nine of the 10 beneficiaries in the second scholarship cohort were presented with their awards. The support covers fees, accommodation and an enhanced stipend.

Beneficiaries were selected from students identified as needing financial assistance through recommendations from colleges, counsellors, the Directorate of Students Affairs and other stakeholders, she said.

They include Lordina Nana Ama Ataa Mensah, an LLB student; Precious Ayorkor Ashong, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying and Construction Economics; Oppong Kyekyeku, a Quantity Surveying student; Kingsley Johnson Yeboah, a Computer Engineering student; and Kwabena Koranteng, a Natural Resources Management student.

The other recipients are Ernestina Oppong, an Environmental Science student; Eugenia Dadson, a Geological Engineering student; Ebenezer Nimako, a Biological Sciences student; and Gabriel Osei Danso, a Food Science and Technology student.

Prof Nkansah thanked the alumni leadership for coordinating the scholarships and said the university was committed to supporting students through to the completion of their studies.

The KNUST Student Leaders Exit Mentorship Programme will provide structured guidance for student leaders preparing to leave university.

Prof Nkansah said a steering committee had been established following a University Council directive to develop an exit programme for student leaders.

The initiative will begin with a pilot involving former Students’ Representative Council (SRC) leaders, with plans to expand to other student leadership groups.

A newly launched website will allow student leaders to register for mentorship and alumni to sign up as mentors. The programme’s secretariat and steering committee will also use the platform to monitor progress.

Prof Nkansah said she hoped the programme would eventually include departmental association leaders, international students and other student leadership groups to help prepare them for opportunities and challenges beyond university.

Story: Eunice Asare    Photos: Edwin Opoku-Agyemang