"Take Unique Interest In Your School's Curriculum"- Dr. Adutwum Charges KNUST Governing Board(VIDEOS

The Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Adutwum has charged the the newly inaugurated governing board of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science (KNUST) take unique interest in its school's curriculum since the nation will depend on its leadership to train the next generation of innovative and creative solution bearers.

According to Dr. Adutwum, as they do these, they will not only contribute to socio-economic advancement but their works will place Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a solid competitor to institutions beyond Ghana.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Governing Board in Accra, the Minister said "Beyond your mandate of finance and governance of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, I urge you to take a unique interest in your school curriculum because this nation depends on your leadership to train the next generation of innovative and creative solution bearers. As you do these, you will not only contribute to socio-economic advancement but your works will place Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a solid competitor to institutions beyond Ghana"

He added that as KNUST was built on science and technology, it has a unique task to intensify research.

Dr. Adutwum also stressed that covid-19 has taught all the impact, scientific research has on the advancement of society.

He mentioned that the role as members of the KNUST governing board gives them the opportunity to nurture and instill the importance of scientific research into their students.

"KNUST has a reputation of churning out problem solvers. Like the students and young graduates who developed a fire detector. Led by Stephen Boakye Frimpong, the team of innovators developed the gadget called a Smart Fire Alert which has been tested by the Ghana Standards Authority. The Smart Alert sends a text message and calls a number it has been pre-programmed to contact whenever there is a fire outbreak. This Smart Alert has also been programmed to contact five other contacts if the first contact does not respond to the fire alert" he added.

"We are all witnesses of how connected the world has become, especially through education. Virtual classes have become one smart way for universities to reach millions of students across the world. As you go for board meetings, bear in mind the unique vision of this university as you also work to excel in this new age of technology. As you do this. You will equip your institution to align with global industry demands and offer courses that will equip students for the job market" he noted.

In his message to teachers, he reminded them that even as members of the university’s governing council to frequently pay unannounced visits to students during lecture periods.

He also tasked them to get to interact with the students and know their challenges and success stories.

Dr. Adutwum said "Let them know you are there for them. I always say that, when a student comes to your class and is unable to read and write, it is not your fault, but if a student sits in your class for four years and still does not learn the skills to read and write, then it is your fault"

He celebrated and appreciated the teachers for their willingness to work together to help President Akufo-Addo

On his part, Paramount Chief of Bompata and Former Ghana Ambassador to United Nation, Nana Effah-Apenteng said "KNUST is the country’s Science and Technology Institution. We have realised that most of the students are not good at Mathematics as a result, government has tasked us to ensure that we change that narrative"

He added that the governing board will ensure that it gives the students quality Science and Technology education to help boost the teaching and learning of the subjects.

"The world is growing and technology is taking over. A country which fails to train its students in Science and Technology tends to cause them a great disservice as they will not be able to compete with other students on the global stage" he added.

Sharing his thoughts on the newly introduced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), he hinted that although the students have embraced it, the governing board will ensure that each student understands it better to help ease teaching and learning.

He advised students to pay lots of attention on their studies and do away with certain social vices which will hinder their education.

He also appealed to teachers to devote their time and together help churn out great personalities for the nation.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour on his part appealed to the newly inaugurated board to work hard and ensure they churn out talents such as; world class engineers, data scientists and mathematicians for the country.

"Let your core focus go high. They have yo ensure that they churn out great talents such as world class engineers, data scientists and mathematicians who can meet the demands of 4th Industrial Revolution" he said.

Below are some pictures and videos:

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith