Otumfuo Confers PhD Degrees On 135 KNUST Students

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has conferred doctoral degrees on one hundred and thirty-five (135) students of the institution.

He as well awarded honourary degrees to seven Ghanaians including the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Mr Joe Anokye.

The conferment took place at the Great Hall of the University in Kumasi on Friday, November 24, 2023, as part of the institution’s 57th Congregation.

The event also saw seven hundred and four (704) postgraduates pass out of the institution successfully.

Addressing the gathering, His Majesty the Chancellor acknowledged the perseverance, resilience and unwavering dedication to intellectual growth of the graduates which have brought them thus far.

“This gathering is proof of the dedication and tireless effort of our student-faculty and deserving of celebration. In this grand assembly, we convene not only to applaud the remarkable experience of our graduates but also to acknowledge their persistent commitment to learning aimed at shaping a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

He also directed the graduates to brace themselves for any challenge and opportunity that the world outside the walls of KNUST may throw at them.

“As you step into the world beyond these walls, embrace every challenge and opportunity that comes your way with confidence. Continuing to learn, grow and adapt to education is a life-long journey.

“Remember you have received the quality education that has equipped you with the knowledge to thrive in the professional environment. Believe in yourself and be proactive in seeking opportunities. By doing so, you can make a meaningful impact to contribute to the growth and development of our nation.”

The King of the Asante Kingdom also publicly acknowledged the efforts of the Management and staff of the University as he listed the numerous international achievements the KNUST has chalked this year.

“Your continuous selfless devotion to advancing quality education has not gone unnoticed. Year after year as we gather to celebrate the accomplishment of our graduates, it becomes increasingly evident that your commitment and dedication to duty are the cornerstone of our success.

“Your commitment to achieving the mission and vision of this great institution is not just acknowledged by me but by the global community as well…You are shaping the future of the University and leaving a lasting impression on the world.”

On her part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson encouraged the graduates to persist in perfecting themselves through value addition.

“Remember that success is a vehicle which moves on a wheel called hard work. At the journey, it’s impossible without the fuel called self-confidence. Be bold, be courageous and do your very best at all times keeping in mind that you and God form a majority,” she added.

Honourary Degrees
The occasion was also used to honour seven other Ghanaians in recognition of their contribution to Ghana and the University.

They included the Director General of the NCA, Mr Joe Anokye, former Voce Chancellor of the KNUST, Emeritus Prof Kwasi Kwafo Adarwa, former registrar of KNUST, Mrs Sophia Ashiokai Quashie-Sam, the Technical Coordinator for the Millenium Development Authority (MDA), Ing William Amuna, Chairman of Associated Consultants, Ing Fredrick Asare-Yeboah, the Managing Director of Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited (AMG). Mr Ernest Akwasi Appiah and the Chief Programme Officer of Mastercard Foundation in Canada, Prof Peter Materu.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Emeritus Prof Adarkwa expressed their profound gratitude noting, “We are grateful and remain grateful for the rest of our lives.”

He observed that the honour reposes to them, the responsibility of projecting the positive image of the 71-year-old institution and enhancing its visibility in the society.

He continued, “In the next two years ahead of us, we would like to see our University differentiating itself by doing what it can do best so we are known as the University that should be the destination of everybody.”

57th Congregation
The University’s passing out ceremony began on November 9 and climaxed today with the graduation of Postgraduate and PhD students.

In all, 17,437 students have graduated including 13,170 undergraduates and 4, 267 postgraduates.