KNUST to establish computer, video conferencing lecture rooms

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), is to establish computer and multimedia lecture rooms with video conferencing facilities at its distance learning centers across the country including the main campus.

The move is to facilitate smooth and sound academic exercise as well as make science and technology education accessible to all.

Professor William Otto Ellis, Vice Chancellor of KNUST, said this at the matriculation of KNUST northern sector students of its distance learning programme in Tamale on Saturday.

The matriculation was to formally accord the students, numbering 250, who would be undertaking their studies at the Tamale and Bolgatanga centers, a full status as proud junior members of KNUST.

A similar ceremony was held last week for KNUST's southern sector students in Accra.

KNUST admitted a total of 3,892 students comprising 1,628 postgraduate students and 2,264 undergraduate students for its distance learning programme for the 2012/2013 academic year.

The programmes include Commonwealth Executive Masters in Business Administration and Public Administration, Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering, BSc in Building Technology, and BSc in Business Administration.

Professor Otoo Ellis said: "Plans are also underway to start the construction of our cherished Accra - City Campus for our Institute of Distance Learning."

He said the university had been undergoing serious reforms as part of continuous efforts to improve on its systems and standards adding, "this year, we were able to send regular updates to our applicants, informing them of the status of their admission applications through regular text messages and emails".

He said: "It is our resolve to continue to improve even upon this feat through the use of modern information and communication technology platforms to consolidate our image as the preferred destination for sound science and technology education in Ghana and in Africa at large."

Professor Otoo Ellis told the matriculants that notwithstanding the challenges, KNUST would continue to do its best to make their studies stress-free as much as possible.