Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Motto	Nyansapɔ Wɔsane No Badwenma
Established	1952[1]
Type	Public
Chairman	Mr. P. V. Obeng
Chancellor	Otumfuo Osei Tutu II[2], (Asantehene)
Vice-Chancellor	Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa[3]
Undergraduates	21285
Postgraduates	2306
Location	Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana 06°41′5.67″N 01°34′13.87″W / 6.6849083°N 1.5705194°W / 6.6849083; -1.5705194
Campus	Suburban area
Website	www.knust.edu.gh

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is a technical university located in Kumasi, Ghana. It is the second public university to be established in the country. It was founded as the Kumasi College of Technology in 1952.^[4] The nucleus of the college was formed from 200 teacher training students transferred from Achimota in the Greater Accra Region. The college was affiliated to the University of London. In 1961, the college was granted full university status.^[5] The main university campus which is about seven square miles in area, is located about eight miles to the east of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.^[4]

Contents 1 History 1.1 Early History 1.2 Kwame Nkrumah 1.3 Vision and Mission 2 Organization and Administration 2.1 Principal Officers 2.2 Governing Body 2.3 Student Participation in University administration 2.4 Collegiate System 3 Campus 3.1 Student Accommodation 3.1.1 Halls of Residence 3.1.2 Hostels for Continuing Students 3.2 International Students 3.3 Students Online Services 3.4 Students Associations 4 Admissions 4.1 General Admissions Information 4.2 Undergraduate Admissions 4.3 Graduate Admissions 5 Academics 5.1 Colleges & Faculties 5.1.1 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources 5.1.2 College of Architecture and Planning 5.1.3 College of Art and Social Sciences[14] 5.1.4 College of Engineering 5.1.5 College of Health Sciences 5.1.6 College of Science 5.2 Distance Learning 5.3 Library and Digital Resources 5.4 Affiliated Institutions 5.5 Research Centers 6 References 7 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Early History

The Kumasi College of Technology opened officially on 22 January 1952 with 200 Teacher Training students transferred from Achimota, to form the nucleus of the new College. In October, 1952, the School of Engineering and the Department of Commerce were established and the first students were admitted. A Pharmacy Department was established in January, 1953, with the transfer of the former School of Pharmacy from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, to the College. The Department ran a two-year comprehensive course in Pharmacy leading to the award of the Pharmacy Board Certificate. A Department of Agriculture was opened in the same year to provide a number of ad hoc courses of varying duration, from a few terms to three years, for the Ministry of Agriculture. A Department of General Studies was also instituted to prepare students for the Higher School Certificate Examinations in both Science and Arts subjects and to give instruction in such subjects as were requested by the other departments.

From 1952 to 1955, the School of Engineering prepared students for professional qualifications only. In 1955, the School embarked on courses leading to the University of London Bachelor of Engineering External Degree Examinations.

Once established, the College began to grow and in 1957, the School of Architecture, Town Planning and Building was inaugurated and its first students were admitted in January, 1958, for professional courses in Architecture, Town Planning and Building. As the College expanded, it was decided to make the Kumasi College of Technology a purely science and technology institution. In pursuit of this policy, the Teacher Training College, with the exception of the Art School, was transferred in January, 1958, to the Winneba Training College, and in 1959 the Commerce Department was transferred to Achimota to form the nucleus of the present School of administration of the University of Ghana, Legon.

In December, 1960, the Government of Ghana appointed a University Commission to advise it on the future development of University Education Ghana, in connection with the proposal to transform the University College of Ghana and the Kumasi College of Technology into an independent University of Ghana. Following the report of the commission which came out early 1961, Government decided to establish two independent Universities in Kumasi and Legon, Accra. The Kumasi College of Technology was thus transformed into a full-fledged University Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology by an Act of Parliament on 22 August 1961.

The University name was changed to University of Science and Technology after the Revolution of 24 February 1966. The University of Science and Technology was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, 20 November 1961. However, another act of Parliament(Act 559 of 1998) changed the name back to its original version, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.^[1]

[edit] Kwame Nkrumah

The First President of Ghana, the University is named after him

Kwame Nkrumah became the first prime minister and later president of Ghana . He was born on September 21, 1909 , at Nkroful in what was then the British-ruled Gold Coast, the son of a goldsmith. Trained as a teacher, he went to the United States in 1935 for advanced studies and continued his schooling in England , where he helped organize the Pan-African Congress in 1945. He returned to Ghana in 1947 and became general secretary of the newly founded United Gold Coast Convention but split from it in 1949 to form the Convention People's party. After his 'positive action' campaign created disturbances in 1950, Nkrumah was jailed, but when the CPP swept the 1951 elections, he was freed to form a government, and he led the colony to independence as Ghana in 1957. A firm believer in African liberation, Nkrumah pursued a radical pan-African policy, playing a key role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. As head of government, he was less successful however, and as time passed he was accused of forming a dictatorship. In 1964 he formed a one-party state, with himself as president for life, and was accused of actively promoting a cult of his own personality. Overthrown by the military in 1966, with the help of western backing, he spent his last years in exile, dying in Bucharest , Romania , on April 27, 1972 . His legacy and dream of a "United States of Africa" still remains a goal among many. Nkrumah was the motivating force behind the movement for independence of Ghana , then British West Africa , and its first president when it became independent in 1957. His numerous writings address Africa 's political destiny.[6]

[edit] Vision and Mission

Vision Statement: The vision of KNUST is to be globally recognised as the premier Centre of excellence in Africa for teaching in Science and Technology for development; producing high calibre graduates with knowledge and expertise to support the industrial and socio-economic development of Ghana and Africa.

Mission Statement: The mission of KNUST is to provide an environment for teaching, research and entrepreneurship training in Science and Technology for development of Ghana and Africa. KNUST will also provide service to the community, be open to all the people of Ghana and positioned to attract scholars, industrialists and entrepreneurs from Africa and other international communities.^[7]

[edit] Organization and Administration

[edit] Principal Officers

The principal Officers of the University as set out in the Statutes are the

• Chancellor - The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
• Chairman of the University Council - Mr. Paul Victor Obeng
• Vice-Chancellor - Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa^[3]

[edit] Governing Body

Governance of the University is carried out by the University Council^[8], primarily through the Academic Board which is responsible for:

• formulating and carrying out the academic policy of the University;
• devising and regulating the courses of instruction and study, and supervising research;
• regulating the conduct of examinations and the award of degrees, diplomas and certificates;
• advising the University Council on the admission of students and the award of scholarships;
• reporting on such matters as may be referred to it by the University Council.

[edit] Student Participation in University administration

Students participate actively in the administration of the University through their representatives serving on the University Council, Academic Board, the Welfare Services Board, Faculty and Departmental Boards, Residence Committee, Library Committee and on the Hall Councils.^[9]

[edit] Collegiate System

The KNUST has, since January 2005, transformed from its previous centralized system of administration into significantly decentralized Collegiate system. Under this system, the various faculties have been condensed into six colleges. The University had previously been administered on the Faculty-based system. This naturally led to administrative difficulties as new Faculties and Institutes were created to meet the ever-growing academic pursuits of students. The resultant collection of Faculties largely hampered efficient administrative and academic operations, as duplication of efforts and long administrative processes were rampant. The need to deal with these complexities and harmonize the operation of the existing structures became apparent and unavoidable.

This was more so, with the ever-increasing numbers in student population. True to the vision to make KNUST the model for technological education in Africa and the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to academic excellence, the Collegiate System was officially adpopted on November 29, 2004. On 5 April 2005, the Pioneering Provosts were inducted and invested into office at the Great Hall of the KNUST. They are:

• Prof. Stephen Osei, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources^[10]
• Prof. S. O. Asiama^[11], College of Architecture and Planning^[12]
• Prof. Dr. Dr. Daniel Buor^[13], College of Art and Social Sciences^[14]
• Prof. F.W.Y. Momade,^[15] College of Engineering^[16]
• Prof. Kwame Sarpong, College of Health Sciences^[17]
• Prof. Aboagye Menyeh,^[18] College of Science^[19]

The Colleges are semi-autonomous, which means that they are given the power to largely run on their own without much dependence on the central administration for financial support. A College Registrar, Finance Officer and Librarian assist the Provosts. Under him are the various Faculties, Centres and Institutes, headed by Deans and Directors. As heads of the Colleges, the Provosts are to provide academic and administrative leadership for the Colleges and oversee the overall running of the Colleges.^[20]

[edit] Campus

[edit] Student Accommodation

[edit] Halls of Residence

There are six Halls of Residence at the Kumasi Campus. Each Hall is administered by a Hall Council consisting of Senior and Junior members. The executive head of the Hall is the Hall Master who is assisted by a Senior Tutor. There is also a Hall Bursar and other supporting staff. The number of students in a room shall be determined by the Hall authorities.^[22]

• Africa Hall

Africa Hall is the only all-female hall in the University. It was first occupied by students on the 14th. October, 1967. Members of the Hall are known as "Domites". Majority of the female senior members are assigned to Africa as Fellows. "Dome" has 192 inhabitable rooms and presently the total student population is about 514.^[22]

• Independence Hall

Independence Hall was officially opened in February, 1959 to commemorate the attainment of Ghana's independence on 6 March,1957. It was the first permanent hall of residence. Women were however admitted to the hall for the first time in 1991. Members of the hall are known as "Spartans".^[22]

• Queen's Hall

Queens Elizabeth II Hall was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and was officially opened in November 1959 by the Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen later visited the Hall in 1961 during her state visit to Ghana. It is co-educational and houses a student population of 840 with 294 rooms. Members of Queen Elizabeth II Hall are usually known as "Royals".^[22]

• Republic Hall

Republic Hall is a mixed Hall with about 850 students both local and International. It was named Republic to commemorate Ghana's attainment of a Republic Status in 1960. The Hall was however, officially opened in 1961 and women were admitted to the hall for the first time only in 1991.It has 198 rooms in the main, 96 in the annex block.^[22]

• Unity Hall

Unity Hall is the largest hall with an original accommodation capacity of 448 rooms but presently have 36 extra flats. It is an all-male hall with modern facilities and nicknamed " The Twin Towers". Members are known as "Continentals". The present student population is over 1000.The hall welcomed its first batch of students on the 16th October, 1968.^[22]

• University Hall

The University Hall was named to commemorate the accession of the Kumasi College of Technology to full University status on 22 August,1961. It is an all male like Unity Hall. The main hall has 198 rooms excluding flats, and the annex has 95 rooms. It is popularly known as" Katanga".^[22]

[edit] Hostels for Continuing Students

Currently, about 60% of the total student population is non-resident. There is a large number of private hostels are available around the campus and in Kumasi for students who, as a result of the limited facilities/rooms could not be admitted as resident students.^[23] There are also Non-residential facilities on campus where non-resident students could take a rest between lectures and do their own private studies before they leave for their various homes and hostels.

[edit] International Students

Our International students are almost all destined for senior leadership positions in the future. They are bright, articulate students who will go home and be instrumental in the growth and development of their countries.

As a result, we have a serious responsibility to teach them superior values and technological skills. We recognise that we are training future leaders here, and for that reason, our class rooms are rigorous and disciplined places. Students from all over the World come together here and the Professors really use the diversity to open up class discussions.An education at KNUST is about much more that completing a major and getting a degree. It is about living and learning in a culturally and ethnically rich environment - a small neighbourhood in the global village. Our students and our faculty come from around the world to be a part of the KNUST experience - an experience where learning from one another is as important a part of their education as the curriculum. The percentage of foreign students in the university could get as high as 10% and fees are charged depending on the course being offered. There is an International students association which sees to the interest of Foreign students in the University such as accommodation and taking first years round campus.^[24]

[edit] Students Online Services

• Students Forum^[25]
• Student Email^[26]
• Friends@KNUST^[27]
• Holla! A Social Network For Students^[28]
• OER For Students^[29]
• KNUST E-Learner^[30]

[edit] Students Associations

• Students' Representative Council (SRC)^[9]
• Science Students Association (SCISA)^[31]
• Ghana Engineering Students Association (GESA)^[32]
• Chemical Engineering Students' Association (CHEESA)^[33]
• Ghana Pharmaceutical Students' Association (GPSA)^[34]
• KNUST School of Business Graduate Students Association (KSBGSA)^[35]
• Law Students Union (LSU)^[36]
• Civil Engineering Students' Association (CESA)^[37]

[edit] Admissions

[edit] General Admissions Information

Admission to KNUST is purely based on merit. Over the years the university has undertaken to admit the cream of qualified applicants. Limited vacancies are therefore keenly competed for. There are four categories of applicants, namely:

• Senior Secondary School Certificate holders
• Ordinary and Advance Level GCE Holders
• Mature applicants (age:25 years and above) including HND holders (with 3 years working experience)
• International Students including Ghanaians with foreign results

Application for admission forms are available in January and obtainable from all Regional Post Office across the country.

Selection of qualified applicants is done by a Central Admission Committee in May.

Ghanaian Fee-Paying Candidates

Fee-paying admission is available to Candidates who do not meet the competitive Departmental Requirements and Cut Off Points but satisfy the Minimum Entry Requirements of Aggregate 24 or better . Candidates who wish to take advantage of this facility may complete the Application Forms. Students admitted to Fee-Paying Programmes shall remain so for the duration of their studies at the University.^[38]

[edit] Undergraduate Admissions

This page gives information regarding the undergraduate admission application process at KNUST. Admission's is purely based on merit. undergraduate Further perspectives on academic and campus life and information about KNUST campus are available in the Prospective Students section:^[39]

• Undergraduate Courses^[40]
• Entry Requirements
• How to Apply^[41]
• 2009/2010 Undergraduate Fees^[42] and 2009/2010 Postgraduate Fees^[43]
• 2009/2010 Ghana Fee Paying Fees^[44]
• 2008 Year's Cut-Off^[45]
• Students Accommodation^[46]

[edit] Graduate Admissions

• Graduate Programmes^[47]

[edit] Academics

[edit] Colleges & Faculties

[edit] College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Forest Resources Technology (Sunyani)
• Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources

[edit] College of Architecture and Planning

• Faculty of Architecture and Building Technology
• Faculty of Planning and Land Economy
• Institute of Human Settlements Researcj

[edit] College of Art and Social Sciences^[14]

• Centre for Cultural and African Studies
• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Faculty of Industrial Art
• Faculty of Law^[48]
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Business

[edit] College of Engineering

• Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering
• Faculty of Civil and Geomatic Engineering
• Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Faculty of Mechanical And Agricultural Engineering

[edit] College of Health Sciences

• Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
• Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• School of Medical Sciences

[edit] College of Science

• Faculty of Biosciences
• Faculty of Physical Sciences

[edit] Distance Learning

In the year 2005, the KNUST adopted Distance Learning as a viable complement to the conventional face-to-face system of education. This decision was made in order to offer opportunity for people to pursue academic programmes with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), while still on full time employment.^[20][49]

In October, 2007, the Academic Board changed the status of the Faculty of Distance Learning to an Institute, in order to give it more leverage and autonomy. The Institute of Distance Learning (IDL) is therefore expected to increase access to quality tertiary education and training through the use of a wide range of technologies.^[20]

[edit] Library and Digital Resources

The KNUST Library provides information in electronic and print formats to staff and students mainly to support teaching, learning and research in science and technology for national development. It is also a Depository Library for all materials published in Ghana and also for international institutions and organisations like the World Bank and other United Nations Agencies.^[50]

Digital services are available through the Open Educational Resource (OER) as well as the DSpace repository.

• Open Educational Resources (OER)^[51] component of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has vision of a next generation learning environment: an environment that fosters collaboration around curricula, course materials, and content; generates connections between disciplines, teachers, and learners; and inspires use of educational materials in a more personalized and effective way.^[52]

• KNUST Online Repository^[53] This is the University's digital repository, Data for the repository is still been added on to.

[edit] Affiliated Institutions

• Osei Tutu II Institute for Advanced ICT Studies
• Ghana Telecom University College
• Data Link Institute

[edit] Research Centers

• Bureau of Integrated Research and Development
• Centre for Biodiversity Utilisation and Development(CBUD)
• Dairy/Beef Research Station
• Centre for Cultural and African Studies
• Kumasi Center For Collaborative Research
• National Centre for Mathematical Sciences
• Centre for Human Studies
• The Energy Center

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The Official Web Site of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• Universities of Ghana Overseas Office
• Students Representative Council

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Coordinates: 06°41′5.67″N 01°34′13.87″W / 6.6849083°N 1.5705194°W / 6.6849083; -1.5705194