To climax the University's 70th Anniversary celebration, the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has launched the “KNUST Day of Giving” at the 56th Congregation of the University. The Chancellor explained that on every 6th October, the “KNUST Day of Giving” shall be observed for Alumni, Stakeholders, Corporate bodies, and well-wishers to give back to the University. The Asantehene explained that the University will set up an electronic payment platform for monies to be donated to the University in any currency. To wit, the proceeds generated from the donations will be invested in several initiatives in furtherance of the mandate entrusted to KNUST.
Speaking at the 56th Congregation and the climax of the 70th Anniversary of the University at the Great Hall on Friday, 17th March 2023, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended the University's Management, past leaders, staff, and local and international collaborators who have played an instrumental role in the success of the University.
Delivering her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson congratulated the graduating class and announced the 70th Anniversary Commemorative Mace, designed and produced by the Department of Painting and Sculpture, led by Professor Edwin Kwesi Bodjawah. She added that the mace will be added to the University Museum's collection of artifacts and encouraged all to visit the museum to gain a deeper appreciation of the University's achievements over the past 70 years. She applauded the staff and students who won the University a total grant of $18,739,186.55 to embark on impactful projects. They included Professor William Oduro of the Department of Wildlife and Range Management; Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Richard Opoku of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. Michael K. Adjaloo of the Technology Consultancy Centre (TCC).
Advising the graduating class, the Vice-Chancellor urged them to remain lifelong learners, continuously develop their skill sets, and seek out opportunities to add value to themselves while positively impacting the lives of others.
Representing the Minister of Education, the Deputy Minister, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, appreciated His Royal Majesty for his tremendous role in creating KNUST as a unique brand for academics, innovation, and research. He added that 70 years of sterling records should remind the University community to rise to the new challenge of advancing the country.
According to the Deputy Minister of Education, by 2030, about 825 young people may reach adulthood without the skills needed to thrive in today’s world. He, therefore, stressed the need to transform the educational system for the youth to be able to compete globally in the technological world. “This has been the vision of the President and the Education Ministry to transform every aspect of the educational system of the country,” he said.
He promised KNUST of the government’s support in fulfilling its vision and mission. He further urged the graduates to remain true to the University and the country at large.
56th Congregation graduated Sixteen thousand, five hundred and sixty-two (16,562) graduands, consisting of thirteen thousand, seven hundred and twenty-six (13,726) undergraduates and two thousand, eight hundred and thirty-six (2,836) postgraduates. One hundred and twenty-six (126) of the graduating class received PhDs in a variety of fields; ninety-five (95) of them were males while thirty-one (31) were females.
