Postgraduate students at the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), have been urged to complete their programmes within the stipulated time, as delays often undermine academic progress and career development.
The call was made by the Provost of the College of Science, Professor Philip Antwi-Agyei, during an orientation programme for newly admitted postgraduate students, organised by the School of Graduate Studies in collaboration with the College.
Professor Antwi-Agyei encouraged the students to make effective use of their stay on campus, stressing the importance of regular lecture attendance, commitment to academic work and adherence to programme timelines. He noted that postgraduate education demands discipline and proactive engagement with supervisors and academic structures.
As part of the orientation, Mrs. Vanessa Appiah Castle introduced students to the College’s organisational structure, facilities and laboratory resources, and outlined official communication channels within the College of Science.
On examinations, conduct and assessment, the College Examination Officer, Professor Isaac Nkrumah, briefed students on university regulations governing postgraduate assessment, academic integrity and conduct.
The College Counsellor, Mr. Raabi Darko, highlighted counselling and student support services available to postgraduate students, describing postgraduate studies as potentially lonely and demanding.
He encouraged students to seek support early and to balance academic responsibilities with family and personal commitments.
“At the end of the day, you should be able to finish,” he said, urging students to make use of the Counselling Unit and to download the KNUST e-Counselling App.
Professor Linda Aurelia of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology advised students to build resilience and support networks, noting that graduate school should not be undertaken in isolation.
She encouraged students to engage colleagues beyond their fields of study, explaining that interdisciplinary interactions often generate new research ideas and perspectives.
She also urged students to participate in academic societies and clubs, build professional networks and attend scholarly events, noting that such engagements are critical for research collaboration and scholarship opportunities.
Professor Aurelia further emphasised the importance of effective communication and understanding the professional decorum required in student-supervisor relationships.
The Principal Library Assistant, Mrs. Gloria Mensah, introduced students to postgraduate resources available at the College Library and the main University Library.
In his address, the University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey, encouraged students to participate in library training programmes, explaining that the sessions equip postgraduate students with skills to identify appropriate journals for publication and avoid common mistakes in research publishing.
Mr. Patrice Vasco Asamoah, System Analyst, also outlined some of the IT support services available at the College, highlighting their role in enhancing teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency. He emphasized the UITS commitment to providing timely technical support, maintaining robust digital infrastructure, and ensuring a seamless user experience for staff and students.
Story: Edith Asravor
Photos: Samuel Bio
