The College of Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) marked a significant milestone on the 15th of November, 2023, with its 57th Congregation ceremony. The event, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, witnessed the graduation of 1775 students poised to make groundbreaking contributions to the world of science.
The ceremony, held in grandeur and solemnity, showcased the academic prowess of the college, highlighting the achievements of graduates from two faculties: the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences and the Faculty of Biosciences. Divided into two segments, the morning session was dedicated to honouring the achievements of the Biosciences graduates, while the afternoon session paid tribute to the excellence of the Physical and Computational Sciences graduates.
The congregation brought together the cherished loved ones and families of the graduates, embellishing the celebration with shared joy and accomplishment.
In a statistical reflection of the calibre of these graduates, the academic breakdown revealed a striking distribution: 21.18% secured first-class honours, while a substantial 53.69% claimed the well-deserved second-class upper division. An additional 21.2% merited the second-class lower division, with a smaller fraction of 3.93% achieving a pass. It is noteworthy that within this pass category, the Department of Optometry and Visual Science commendably clinched their graduation with distinction.
Valedictorian of the College of Science was awarded to Kenneth Sena Blekor, an exceptional student specialising in Actuarial Science, boasting a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 84.74. Blekor graced the occasion by delivering a dynamic valedictorian address, urging his fellow graduates to embrace the responsibility bestowed upon them by the world.
In his articulate and inspiring speech, Blekor espoused the essence of personal initiative in facing the challenges that lie ahead. He eloquently emphasised the value of leveraging the foundational education received at KNUST while advocating for lives guided by honour, morality, and ethical principles. Drawing from the wisdom of past experiences, Blekor advocated for a future forged from the lessons imbibed, urging his peers to emulate the forgetfulness of the exponential distribution and the forward-looking mindset of the Markov property.
Emphasising the need for proactive engagement rather than passive criticism, Blekor extolled the importance of holistic development beyond academic prowess, urging graduates to cultivate skills and values indispensable for societal progress. Amidst the pursuit of success, he fervently reminded them not to overlook the core facets of life spirituality, family, friendships, and compassion towards humanity.
The graduation ceremony was not merely a formal procession; it was a celebration of intellectual prowess, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge. Each graduate, a symbol of academic accomplishment, carried with them the collective pride of the institution and the promise of contributing meaningfully to their respective fields.
The 57th Congregation of the College of Science at KNUST marks not just a milestone in academia but a promising beginning for the graduates, heralding a future where their contributions will shape and redefine the boundaries of scientific exploration and discovery.