Koforidua Technical University (KTU) has rusticated a number of students over examination malpractices to protect its academic sanctity and promote honesty among students.
The decision, according to the Vice Chancellor Prof. John Owusu aligns with the University’s firm declaration of “Zero tolerance for Examination Malpractices”.
“Recently, the University has had to rusticate some students for complicity in examination malpractices. As parents first and administrators and teachers second, such decisions are not easy to make. However, we need to build a society where honest labour is rewarded and not cheating and deceit. This country is going nowhere if we do not take steps to combat indiscipline, particularly among our youth. The message is now clear; Koforidua Technical University has zero tolerance for Examination Malpractices”, Prof. John Owusu said.
Established in 1997 with 47 Higher National Diploma students, KTU currently has a 9,949 student population spread over five faculties of HND and Bachelor degrees.
Fourteen master’s degree programs are in various stages of accreditation. The University has churn out a number of engineering professionals for industries both in Ghana and abroad.
Prof. John Owusu made the disclosure during the 21st Congregation Ceremony of Koforidua Technical University (KTU) held on the school campus in Koforidua in the Eastern region.
The ceremony which was on the theme “The Future of Science and Technology: The Role of Stakeholders” paved the way for the passing out of a total of 1,332 HND graduands in their various specialized programs.
He cautioned the graduands of the University to eschew arrogance and indiscipline at workplaces having attained an important height in their educational journey.
Prof. John Owusu acknowledged the Ghc950,000 allocation by the government to the university for academic facilities and infrastructure as well as faculty development and research.
On his part, the Chancellor of Koforidua Technical University Dr. Kwesi Eduafo Yankey assured parents and guardians of the university’s commitment to providing the students with a world-class education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.
He urged the graduands to hold on to the values of innovation, integrity, and impact that have guided the university’s mission.
The former Rector of KTU Dr. George Afrane who was the guest of honour at the ceremony expressed deep concerns about the high unemployment rate in Ghana and Africa stating that the solution lies in heavy investment in the Agriculture sector.
He admonished the students that, farming is also another lucrative avenue they should consider.
“Regardless of who you work for. Don’t underestimate it either. You can get into poultry, livestock, fish farming, vegetables, fruits, snail farming, etc. I know gainfully employed people who have completely left their secure 9 to 5 jobs to go into farming, and they have not regretted it”.
He encouraged the graduands that hard work pays.
“The common denominator for success is hard work and discipline. You need to work harder than I did when I was your age because the competition is keener these days than before. All the 15 people in my graduating class got jobs even before the end of the national service. Now, the majority of university graduates do not get employment in their field. So, you need to distinguish yourself, and you need to be flexible”.
He added “If you are prepared to work hard, it doesn’t matter where you went to school or what program you studied, you will succeed, especially because in this country we are not used to working hard. People want the government to provide them with everything. If you watch TV, it’s always government this or government that. What about you?”