Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor
Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor has charged graduating students of the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) “to demonstrate high leadership qualities such as vision, integrity, physical and moral courage underpinned by discipline.”
The renowned physician, who is the Chancellor of the institution, was delivering a speech during the school’s 22nd congregation last Friday in Kumasi.
While technical competence is a necessary condition for success, Dr. Addo-Kufuor was quick to add that “it is not a sufficient condition for success.”
During the congregation, students graduated at various levels such as HND, Bachelors and Master’s degrees.
He advised the graduating students not to rest on their oars because, according to him, “in this fast moving and constantly changing world of scientific and technological advancement, you cannot afford to rest on your oars after graduation.”
In the real world of workplace, in addition to proving yourself worthy of the training you have undergone here at KsTU, he said, “you must constantly read to upgrade yourselves and be abreast with changes in Science and Technology.”
Industry will come after those who prove themselves as innovative, hardworking, honest and worthy ambassadors of KsTU in this harsh world of endless competition, he said.
Continuing, he told the graduands, “remember, both your supervisors and subordinates will expect excellence from you at the workplace.”
The 70th anniversary of the university, he noted, has coincided with a period of transformation of Ghana’s educational landscape, adding “the renewed emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) education highlights the pivotal role that institutions like KsTU can play in national development.”
Some recent initiatives in this direction, he noted, include the promotion of excellence through innovation such as the establishment of the Addo-Kufuor Prize for the best student in ICT. This, he said, “is a testament to our commitment to innovation.” The award which is supported by partners, he said, has motivated students beyond the boundaries of technological advancement.”
Others are the Industry Partnership for hands-on learning, expanding opportunities through MoUs. This arrangement, he said, “has secured internships and placements for our students, getting the edge on a path to success.”