Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reaffirmed his dedication to preserving the university’s world-class status.
Addressing attendees at the Chancellor’s Week celebration organized by KNUST, Otumfuo stated his ongoing commitment to contributing to the university’s development.
“My association with the university reaffirms my commitment to make sure that this university grows from strength to strength. And I make a commitment that I made when I was made chancellor that I commit to make this university one of the best in the world,” he said.
The Chancellor’s Week celebration was held under the theme “The Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST: 25 Years of Exemplary Leadership.”
The week-long festivities featured various activities such as debates, musical concerts, the Chancellor’s Cup, and Chancellor’s Day.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed appreciation to the University for the honor bestowed upon him.
“All of them have words of inspiration for me, words of appreciation for me. I thank you because it is all of you that have made it possible for the university to thrive TEWU, GRASAG, UTAG. I know that we will continue this relationship and I pray that everything will be fine. And thank you very much to the university,” he said.
Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Adutwum, praised Otumfuo for his significant contributions to the improvement of the educational sector.
“You gave a lifeline to Ghanaian youths when they needed you the most. Before free Senior High School, you gave them free Senior High School.
“The Otumfuo Education Foundation has provided so much support and has gone beyond the Ashanti Kingdom to the rest of the country. Truly he is a father of the whole nation. Many young men and women became doctors and engineers and teachers because you offered them a lifeline.
“Those who had no hope of going to Senior High School and beyond went to Senior High School and beyond because you had a vision that every young man and woman should be given equal opportunities
“And that will create a more equitable society where there is no gap between the advantaged and the disadvantaged,” he said.
He also pledged to complete the University Teaching Hospital.
“It will be a great opportunity for you and the President to commission the teaching hospital in your silver jubilee year. I will do everything possible to get that project done,” he said.
Vice-chancellor of the KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson acknowledged Otumfuo’s contribution towards inclusive education.
“But for your intervention, a number of our brilliant students would have their education curtailed and their future cut short. The Otumfuo Education Fund has immensely supported KNUST students and we can never forget your role leading to the increased number of scholars from 1,500 to 2,000 of the phase two of the Mastercard scholars programme.
“The individual student beneficiaries, their families and society at large are eternally grateful,” she said.
The weeklong celebration was attended by chiefs, queen mothers, ministers of state, as well as management and students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.