In a landmark address at the 59th Congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, celebrated a pivotal turning point in the university’s history.
Speaking from the Great Hall, the Chancellor and Overlord of Asanteman formally commended the Governing Council for successfully overhauling the institution’s legislative framework, replacing a 60-year-old Act with a contemporary statute designed for the digital age.
The Asantehene emphasized that this legislative modernization is not merely a bureaucratic shift but a foundational requirement for the university to remain competitive on the global stage.
Strategic Roadmap:
Central to the King’s address was the unveiling of a comprehensive ten-year strategic plan (2026–2035).
This roadmap is intended to transition KNUST from a regional leader into a premier global hub for research and technological breakthrough.
“I am certain that the implementation of this ten-year strategic plan will position this university as a hallmark of technology, research, and innovation,” Otumfuo stated, charging the Council to move from policy drafting to swift, measurable execution.
To support this vision, the Asantehene outlined two critical pillars for the university’s leadership:
Strategic Global Alliances:
Proactive engagement with international institutions to overhaul physical infrastructure and enhance human capital.
Administrative Modernization:
Re-engineering internal processes to align with international best practices, ensuring the university operates with the efficiency of a world-class corporation.
Academic Excellence and Research:
The 59th Congregation served as a vivid demonstration of KNUST’s shifting focus toward advanced scholarship and specialized research.
This year’s graduation statistics reveal a significant lean toward postgraduate expertise:
Statistics:
Total Graduates 8,377 100%
Postgraduate Degrees 5,241 63.9%
First Degrees 3,136 36.1%
PhD Graduates 71 Including 20 Females
Background:
The shift toward a majority-postgraduate output underscores the university’s mission to produce high-level experts capable of solving complex industrial and societal challenges.
Grants:
Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, announced that the faculty had secured $2.3 million in international research grants through competitive bidding, further cementing KNUST’s status as a research powerhouse.
Legacy of Prof. Rita Dickson:
As she approaches the conclusion of her tenure on July 31, 2026, Prof. Dickson reflected on a period defined by “massive achievements” in infrastructure and academic reform.
She expressed deep gratitude to the Asantehene, noting that his unwavering physical presence at every congregation since becoming Chancellor has been a source of stability and inspiration.
Under her leadership, and with the King’s guidance, the university has not only expanded its physical footprint but has also successfully navigated the transition into a more autonomous and modern legal entity.
Looking Ahead:
With a new Act in place and a decade-long strategy set to commence, KNUST is positioned to redefine the landscape of higher education in West Africa.
The focus now shifts to the Governing Council to ensure that the “Great Hall” continues to be a birthplace for the innovators of tomorrow.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi.
