Asantehene Confers PhDs on 71 KNUST Students

The Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has conferred PhDs on 71 students.

The figure included 20 females.

This was during the final session of the 59th Congregation held on March 28, 2026. The event also witnessed the conferment of various Master’s Degrees in various programmes on about 380 students.

In total, 8,377 students graduated in the 59th congregation, including 3,136 undergraduates and 5,241 postgraduates.

Gracing the event was Dr Cindy Jebb, the President of Ramapo College in the United States of America.

Be Guided By Integrity
Patting the graduands for their achievements, the Chancellor, who is also the King of the Asante Kingdom, acknowledged their perseverance and intellectual growth as a promise of a brighter future.

His Majesty counselled them to uphold integrity as they begin their professional journeys.

“You move into society not only with the knowledge and expertise you have received here but also the values of resilience, integrity and a commitment to serve and impact humanity. As you move into the world of work, let your ideals and integrity guide your actions and let compassion shape your leadership.”

His Majesty also recognised the contribution of the university faculties, staff, as well as parents and guardians, for the strides achieved.

New Act
The Asantehene further welcomed the new University Act 2025 (Act 1157) as an important turning point in the governance and administration of the university.

By this, His Majesty said he expected the Council to strengthen its governance structures and position the University to respond more effectively to the evolving demands of higher education in the 21st Century.

“I am reliably informed that following the promulgation of the Act, the statutes review committee is undertaking a comprehensive review of the existing statutes to ensure their full alignment with this new legislative framework.”

His Majesty also urged the Council to expedite completion of the review for its implementation.

10-year Plan
Otumfuo described the 2K35, a 10-year plan of the university spanning from 2026 to 2035, as strategic.

His Majesty envisions that this plan will make the university stand out among the formal centres of excellence in teaching, innovation and community engagement.

“It is my firm conviction that the plan 2K35 will prioritise the strengthening of academic programmes, increase investment in research and technology, expansion of critical infrastructure and cultivation of strategic partnerships both locally and internationally.”

The King called for synergy and realignment of individual plans from the various colleges, institutes, research centres and administrative units of the university to ensure cohesion, coordination and shared purpose across all levels.

“Through this collective effort, each unit of the university will contribute meaningfully to the achievement of our common institutional goal of advancing the university from excellence to eminence.”

Understaffing
The Chancellor, for the umpteenth time, called on the government to provide the financial clearance to solve the staffing deficit battering the institution.

His Majesty underscored the urgency of the dire situation necessitated by the inflating population of students.

“Granting financial clearance will enable the university to strengthen its human resource capacity, improve the staff-student ratio and further enhance the quality of teaching and research across our academic programmes.

“Adequate staffing is essential not only to sustaining the standards for which the university is known but also advancing our shared national aspiration of building a globally competitive institution that contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s development.”

Allocation to Teaching Hospital
The King, however, expressed gratitude to the government with regard to the approval of the budgetary allocation for the completion of the first phase of the KNUST Teaching Hospital project.

“I want to place on record my sincere appreciation to the government for this kind gesture,” he stated, as he called for the timely completion of the facility, anticipating its commissioning by President John Dramani Mahama by the end of 2026.

“While we are grateful for the progress made this far, we respectfully appeal that the timeline for the completion of the university teaching hospital be adhered to as originally scheduled. The timely delivery of this important facility will ensure that it begins serving its intended purpose.”

According to Otumfuo, the project represents a significant national investment in education, health care delivery and development as it will serve both as a centre for advanced medical training and research as well as expand access to quality healthcare services.

VC Departure
In her address, Vice Chancellor Professor Akosua Dickson announced an end to her tenure as the 11th VC of the institution.

“Nana Chancellor, today’s ceremony is significant and special because it will be my last as I end my tenure on July 31, 2026, as the 11th VC of KNUST. Today is a day of celebration and a personal reflection for me.”

She expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chancellor for his support throughout the years.

“Serving in this capacity under your able leadership and constant guidance and counsel all these years in moving our great and noble university to prominence has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Nana, thank you very much. I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity given to the team and me to serve humanity.”

She outlined expansion of academic programmes, strengthened research capacity, improved infrastructure, boosted entrepreneurial opportunities for students, deepened our partnerships, rejuvenated alumni, enhanced digital transformation across the university and improved administrative processes as her achievements.

“When I assumed office, we set out with a clear vision to strengthen the university’s reputation as a centre of excellence in teaching, research and community service. Together, we have made significant strides…We have worked to position this university within the committee of Ivy League universities, a Ross the globe.”

Prayer for Graduands
The VC further advised the graduands to translate their acquired knowledge into innovation and solutions to the many challenges facing our nation and the globe.

Prof Dickson encouraged them to serve their communities with their education and training, as she assured them that service is gratifying.

“See challenges as opportunities to explore and go beyond your comfort zone. Be open-minded and adaptable to change, and always be prepared to go the extra mile in giving yourself to serving humanity. As you step into the next chapter of your journey, my prayer for you is that the presence of the good Lord goes with you in all you do and blesses all your efforts.”

She also disclosed plans by the Asantehene to host Dr Jebb and her delegation at the Manhyia Palace to lunch while appreciating the enduring partnership between KNUST and Ramapo College for over 25 years.

For her part, Dr Jebb hailed the hospitality she enjoyed from the university since her visit.

On the departure of Prof Akosua Dickson, she stated, “Your leadership will be felt for years to come, and we’ll go into the future.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/