By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Kumasi, Nov. 14, GNA – The University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), has held its 7th Matriculation ceremony for 10,096 fresh undergraduate and graduate students at its Asante Mampong and Kumasi campuses.
The matriculants, comprising 8,908 undergraduates and 1,188 postgraduates, include full-time, evening/part-time and weekend students.
Of the total, 4,722, representing 46.77 per cent are males, while 5,374, representing 53.23 per cent are females.
Professor Frederick K. Sarfo, the Vice-Chancellor, in his address, said the ceremony was the seventh to be organised since the establishment of the University as a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training/ Agriculture Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET/ATVET), and Entrepreneurial Development Teacher Education University.
He said the mandate of USTED was to provide higher education in technical, vocational and entrepreneurial training to develop skilled manpower for job creation and economic development, train teachers for TVET institutions and entrepreneurial development, and to develop strong linkages between the University and industry.
Prof. Sarfo said the University had strengthened its student’s internship programme, workplace experience learning, supported teaching in schools, industrial attachment and teaching practice to make training more practical and industry relevant.
He said programmes at USTED were structured to empower students for self-employment and to compete effectively for opportunities in industry.
On the purpose of matriculation, the Vice-Chancellor said the ceremony formally completed the admission process and conferred on the freshmen and women the status of bona fide students and Junior Members of the University, after swearing the Matriculation Oath and signing the Matriculation Register.
He reminded the students to fulfil other mandatory requirements, including medical examination, acquisition of student Identity Cards and online course registration every semester.
âWithout a valid student’s ID Card, you will not be permitted to enter any examination hall. Failing to do online registration would render you unknown to the system and all your examination results cannot be published,â he cautioned.
Touching on student support services, Prof. Sarfo said the University had established offices including the Dean of Students Affairs, University Clinic and Guidance and Counselling Centre to support student welfare.
On scholarships, he said the Academic Affairs Directorate was compiling data for payment under Governmentâs No-Fees-Stress Scholarship Programme for first-year students and urged those who were yet to complete the data collection forms to do so to avoid forfeiting the opportunity.
He mentioned other scholarship opportunities including GETFund, Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Ghana Gas, Newmont Ghana Limited, MMDAs and FAWE in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, adding that students from second year could also access the Students Loan Trust Fund.
Prof. Sarfo announced that approval had been granted for the implementation of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Needy but Brilliant Students as well as Sportsmen and Women, with funds set aside and a call for applications to be released soon.
He advised the matriculants to avoid distractions, prioritise their welfare, participate in co-curricular activities, and study hard.
Prof. Sarfo further urged students to promote the USTED brand positively, use social media responsibly, and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) wisely to avoid becoming passive learners.
âResearch evidence shows that heavy reliance on AI reduces critical thinking skills and students’ ability to recall events. Use AI or technology appropriately in your academic activities,â he said.
He cautioned students against examination malpractice, destruction of university property and littering, noting that security had been strengthened with CCTV cameras and police patrols, with a police station located on the Asante Mampong campus.
He urged students to observe traffic regulations and avoid using mobile phones while crossing streets for their personal safety.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
Reporter: Yussif IbrahimÂ
[email protected]Â