The Institute of Distance Learning, IDL, is to become the centre to coordinate all part-time, top-up and all other special programmes on offer in the University. This was made known by the Vice Chancellor Prof. K. K. Adarkwa at the Congregation held for graduands of the Institute of Distance Learning, KNUST.
Prof. Adarkwa stated that the IDL has begun performing this important role by hosting the top-up programmes in Administration as well as Computer, Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering. He further stated that the University is overwhelmed by the level of patronage these two programmes received which gives the indication of the potential demand for such top-up programmes in Ghana.
He announced the Universities plans to commence top-up programmes for certrificate and Diploma holders in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering and to open the eighth centre in Cape Coast next year.
Prof Adarkwa said it is the Institutes intention to develop KNUST’s old Guest House at Ridge in Accra into the nucleus of the Accra Campus. To this effect the evaluation report has been sent to the Ministerial Tender Committee and it is awaiting final approval to commence construction of permanent offices and a third campus in Accra.
He added that in a similar mode, the University is considering plans to develop KNUST’s Nhyiaeso properties into a Kumasi City Campus to make programmes more accessible to all those who would want to access any of the University’s distance learning programmes.On the occasion, the Institute of Distance learning presented 40 graduands from all the 7 regional centres. 13 obtained Second Class upper Division degrees, whiles 25 of the graduands obtained Second Class Lower Division degrees and the remaining 2 graduands had Pass degrees.
From a small number of 16 students in 1998, the Institute of Distance Learning currently has a population of 2,575. Its programmes are much patronized especially, the Commonwealth of Learning’s MBA and MPA programmes. The Institute’s undergraduate programmes are also gradually becoming popular with the introduction of a limited number of liberal arts programmes.
