By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Tarkwa (W/R), Dec 8, GNA – The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa has held its 17th congregation in Tarkwa for 2,496 students who graduated with degrees in various programmes.
Three honorary degrees were also awarded.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister for Education, in a speech read on his behalf, told the graduands that the world they were entering was rapidly evolving, driven by technology, globalization, and complex social challenges.
He said Ghana, like many nations, faced issues of unemployment, climate change, digital transformation, and economic restructuring, adding “You are the generation that must confront these challenges with creativity and courage”.
Mr. Iddrisu said whether they become entrepreneurs, public servants, researchers, security personnel or community leaders, their duty was to use their degree from the UMaT to advance the well-being of Ghanaians and contribute to the sustainable development of the nation.
The Minister expressed appreciation to parents and guidance whose unwavering support and hope had culminated in the graduation ceremony, saying they had sacrificed to ensure their children stood tall today, and they deserved to be proud.
He thanked the governing council, the Vice Chancellor, faculty, and staff for their steadfast dedication.
Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, in his remarks said, when he assumed office in October 2020, the total student population by the end of the 2019/2020 academic year was 2,697.
He said it was therefore incumbent on UMaT to increase student population in the ensuing academic years to bring about the needed progress as required by the current educational and financial climate.
To fulfil their strategic mandate, improve their IGF and support the Government’s agenda of increasing students in TVET and STEM disciplines, ten new undergraduate programmes were introduced, and postgraduate admissions were increased to two seasons.
Additionally, UMaT operationalized the Essikado campus, introduced new faculties and offices, and developed the Bibiani Community School.
Prof. Amankwah reported with excitement that those efforts had yielded the required positive results, as the student population in UMaT increased from 2,697 in 2020 to 15,621.
That, he indicated, was approximately a five-fold increase or 479% increase in the student population within a span of five years.
Prof. Amankwah announced that this was his last major congregation as VC of UMaT, and therefore expressed gratitude to the University Community, Management and Council of the University especially the Chairperson, Prof Goski Alabi, and the past Chairpersons Rev Prof Mante and Dr Stephen Yirenkyi for the immense support they had given him.
Also, he announced to the congregation the passing of Prof Emeritus Daniel Mireku-Gyimah, their Foundation Vice Chancellor, who regularly attended their congregation.
Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, reaffirmed his readiness to deepen collaboration with the University in promoting research, industry linkages and regional development initiatives.
He advised the graduates to prioritize safety, environmental sustainability, and ethical practice in their work and serve their communities and countries with diligence and humility.
Mr. Issah Salifu Taylor, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency, charged the University to develop practical, implementable guidelines and technological solutions to help restore the turbidity and quality of water bodies destroyed by illegal activities.
He reminded the graduands to be confident, disciplined, respectful, apply their knowledge and uphold integrity because they were products of the best University in the country.
Awards were given to outstanding students, with Mr. Kwame Atta Frimpong winning the overall best graduating student and the best engineering student awards.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga