The Alumni Association of the School of Public Health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) has engaged students of the school as part of efforts to strengthen support systems and create opportunities to enhance their academic and professional development.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the association to deepen collaboration with the school and contribute to the development of students at the KNUST School of Public Health.

President of the Alumni Association, Rev. Kwame Sarkodie Safo, said it is important for students to understand that the alumni body works closely with the school’s management to help improve student experiences.

According to him, the association is keen to ensure that students have a positive and fulfilling experience throughout their time at the School of Public Health.

“Students enter an unfamiliar environment, and they need to understand how things work there,” he said, adding that the alumni association has been working with school authorities to provide the necessary support for students.

Mr. Safo outlined several initiatives the association plans to roll out to support students’ academic growth and future careers.

Among the initiatives is a research and manuscript seminar aimed at helping students prepare their academic research for publication.

He noted that many students aspire to pursue further studies, including master’s and PhD programmes, but often face challenges when it comes to publishing their research work.

“The seminar will help students prepare their research work for publication so that their work will not remain within the school but will also be recognised in the global academic field,” he explained.

The association also highlighted the need to strengthen networking among students and graduates of the School of Public Health.

Mr. Safo observed that many students complete their programmes without building strong professional connections that could support their future careers.

To address this, the alumni association announced plans to organise a dinner programme for each cohort at the end of their academic session to provide opportunities for students to network and build relationships with their peers.

In addition, the association introduced plans for an alumni homecoming programme, which will bring together experienced professionals who graduated from the school to interact with current students.

The programme is expected to create a platform for mentorship, career guidance and professional networking between students and alumni working across the public health sector.

Dean of the School of Public Health, Prof. Peter Agyei Baffour, welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of building strong networks alongside academic work.

He noted that while lectures, assignments and examinations remain central to academic success, networking plays a critical role in shaping students’ professional journeys.

“Academic work is important, but networking is also essential because you never know when you may need support. You need to have a good social network,” he said.

Students who attended the meeting also had the opportunity to share some of the challenges they face on campus. The alumni association acknowledged these concerns and assured the students that it would work closely with the school to address them.

By: Edith Asravor