KNUST to start six new academic programmes

Kumasi, Feb 11, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Will, from next academic year commence six new academic programmes in response to the market demands of the times. The programmes are Bsc Post Harvest technology, Bsc Statistics and Actuarial Science, Bsc Telecommunications Engineering, BA Culture and Tourism, Doctor of Optometry and School of Business. Professor Kwesi Andam, Vice Chancellor of the university, announced this at a press soiree organised for members of the media in Kumasi on Thursday.

He said already the university had begun enrolling students in some of its new programmes which had been approved by the academic board. They are Bsc in Aerospace Engineering, Bsc in Sports and Exercise Science, Bsc in Food Science and Technology, Environmental Science and Petroleum Engineering.

Professor Andam said a draft strategic plan for the university had been reviewed to accommodate the changes, which had taken place as well as some of the on-going initiatives at the university.

He said to improve ICT education among members of the university community, about 400 laptop computers had been distributed to members of the convocation, while work on the design and installation of an ultra-modern KNUST ICT Centre laboratory was nearing completion. He said members of the university community would be trained in basic computer literacy courses and advanced courses in parallel computing, computer programming, web application design and computer networking this year.

Professor Andam said there were currently 25 different on-going infrastructure development projects on campus to accommodate the increase in student population and support the on-going restructuring of the university.

Some of the projects are a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre for the College of Engineering, a 2,500-capacity central lecture theatre for the College of Science, permanent offices for the Departments of mathematics, Computer Science and Biochemistry, a seventh hall of resident and sports complex, among others.

Professor Andam said a new KNUST Teaching Hospital was being developed while a permanent museum had been designed and work would soon commence.

He commended the media in the region for their support and contribution to the development of the university and hoped the cordial relationship between the university and the media would flourish to improve the university.