UMaT admits new students

Tarkwa (W/R), Sept 9, GNA - Some 268 fresh students of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on Saturday took the matriculation oath to signify their formal admission into the university at Tarkwa.

Out of the number, 34 are women and this brings the number of female population to 92.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Daniel Mireku Gyimah, said the total female student population might not sound significant but it was important in mining and hard-core environment that hitherto had been the preserve of men.

"The increasing number of female students was a clear indication of the positive response to current gender equity campaigns across the world."

Prof Mireku-Gyimah said the university was overwhelmed by the numerous applications by candidates seeking admission into various academic programmes.

Out of 1,100 candidates who qualified only 268 could be admitted. The Vice Chancellor said the number of postgraduate students had increased over the last few years with 34 admissions made this year, bringing the total number of postgraduate students to 102. Prof Mireku-Gyimah said in line with the vision of making the University a center of excellence in Africa for training world class professionals in the fields of engineering, management science and information technology, the content of all academic programmes has been revised to include courses that are relevant to modern industrial practice.

Apart from hardcore science and engineering disciplines, every student has to learn computer applications, communication skills, law of contract and tort and business entrepreneurship. A special course in French would be added as an elective for interested students.

Prof Mireku-Gyimah said there were some difficulties militating against the development of the university.

He mentioned the need to equip the new library with furniture and books, to complete the auditorium, upgrade all laboratories, construct a sports complex, hostels and lecture rooms among others. The Vice Chancellor told the students to appreciation their privilege status and make good use of the opportunity offered them and the training resources put at their disposal.

Mr. Fosuoba Mensah Banahene, Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) who launched the University's 10-year strategic plan, said tertiary education had produced skilled human capital needed for national development. 09 Sept 06