By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, Mar 1, GNA-The Ho Technical University (HTU) Friday held its 32nd Matriculation ceremony for freshmen and women to formally join the University fraternity.
A total of 4,120 admissions were offered, comprising 2,470 males and 1,650 females, out of 5,327 applications received for the 2024/2025 academic year, who are to pursue various programmes in the University, with entire student population grossing 10,000.
Also included in the fresh admissions were pioneering students of the new Bachelor of Arts Communication and Media Technology programme.
Professor Ben Q. Honyenuga, Vice Chancellor of HTU, reechoed the primary responsibility of fresh students at the HTU to be to acquire knowledge for empowerment, and reciprocate the financial investment, hopes and aspirations of their parents, guardians and persevere for success.
“Make every moment count and pave the way for a fulfilling and prosperous future.”
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the reputation of HTU was growing steadily and making giant waves in tertiary education landscape locally and globally according to major players and assessment agencies.
For instance, he said the 2024 World University Rankings, published by Times Higher Education, has listed Ho Technical University as one of the top five Universities in the country with the EduRank’s 2024 ranking of the 300 best Universities in the World, based on their reputation, research performance, and alumni impact, has also ranked Ho Technical University as the best Technical University in Ghana.
“These prestigious rankings reflect the University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and its positive impact on the local and global community,” he added.
“You must therefore consider your admission to HTU as a great feat in your academic life.”
He assured the freshers that HTU had a dedicated team of competent and qualified faculty and staff, who would guide and support their training and development towards achieving academic goals.
Prof Honyenuga announced that Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) had provided scholarships to 57 students at HTU to further the University’s inclusive agenda, saying studying at Ho Technical University presented several opportunities.
He said non-appearances regarding attendance to lectures could jeopardise student’s eligibility to sit for end-of-semester exams, urging them to “prepare for quizzes and exams early; don’t wait until the last minute, as this proactive approach will ensure you are well-equipped to excel.”
He said the Academic Board had reviewed requirements for Project Works and Dissertations in the University with “Project work no longer just a partial fulfilment for the award of Degrees, Diplomas, or Certificates. This has been reformed to place emphasis on implementable projects that will foster innovation and job creation activities.”
Vice Chancellor warned “while you may feel a sense of newfound freedom away from home, it is crucial to resist the temptations of engaging in social vices.”
“Though we do not have a prescribed uniform, decent dressing and good grooming is required at lectures and at all functions. Know what to wear and at what time to do so.”
He urged students to navigate the internet with caution and never leave footprints that would haunt them in future life reminding them that the internet has a long memory and avoid examination malpractices.
He warned that students were not shielded by state laws and legal consequences for crimes such as sexual harassment, rape, examination malpractice, occult practices, theft, and the use of illegal drugs and must live responsible lifestyles on campus.
Prof Honyenuga said the University offered a wonderful opportunity to build a network and form lasting friendships, adding “Campus life is full of possibilities, but it also essential to choose your friends wisely.”
The matriculation was structured into three sections due to the large number of students.
GNA