The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged government to take immediate action to ease the rising pressure on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
He explained that the university is struggling to maintain its academic standards due to a significant shortfall in lecturers and administrative personnel. According to him, the situation has reached a point where swift intervention has become essential to protect the quality of teaching and training at the institution.
A recent five year review conducted by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission revealed that the lecturer to student ratio at KNUST continues to deteriorate. This development has placed enormous strain on staff who are working tirelessly to meet the growing academic demands of thousands of students.
Speaking at the fifty ninth Congregation on Saturday November 29 2025, the Asantehene who serves as Chancellor of the university appealed for extra financial clearance that will allow KNUST to recruit more staff. During the ceremony, a total of 17,132 students graduated including 14,764 undergraduates and 2,338 postgraduate students.
The event also recognised distinguished personalities and corporate organisations for their contributions to the university. The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, served as the guest of honour.
The Asantehene stated that the country must empower its universities to shape the next generation of leaders. He explained that higher learning goes beyond classroom instruction and must include mentorship, guidance and exposure that helps students become responsible citizens capable of responding to the needs of the nation.
He also expressed concern about the rising levels of youth unemployment. He called on President John Dramani Mahama to treat the issue as a national priority and take steps to offer young people viable opportunities for growth and development.
Addressing the problem of land encroachment, Otumfuo issued a strong warning to individuals attempting to take over portions of KNUST land. He described the lands as sacred assets entrusted to the university for the benefit of future generations. He emphasised that any attempt to interfere with these lands will be met with firm resistance.
The Asantehene welcomed recent government funding aimed at completing the KNUST Teaching Hospital. He commended the release of GH¢46 million for ongoing work and the allocation of an additional 38 million dollars to equip the facility. He also acknowledged plans to construct new lecture theatres valued at 10 million dollars and expressed confidence that the project will materialise.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor Professor Rita Akosua Dickson reaffirmed the university’s commitment to impactful research that responds to national and global needs. She disclosed that 1.5 million Ghana cedis had been awarded to 29 researchers this year from the KNUST Research Fund. This brings the fund’s total support to 7 million Ghana cedis since it was established in 2016. She added that faculty members also secured external research grants amounting to 8.9 million dollars.
Professor Dickson congratulated staff members who have earned recognition through national and international appointments. She encouraged graduates to embrace humble beginnings and remain determined regardless of challenges. She reminded them that resilience and persistence are essential qualities for long term success.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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