KNUST College of Health Sciences Graduates Students at 59th Special Congregation, Celebrates Innovation and Institutional Milestones
The College of Health Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has graduated a new cohort of students at the 59th Special Congregation, with a strong call for graduates to embrace leadership, innovation, and societal impact.
Addressing the graduands, the Provost of the College, Professor Christian Agyare, urged them to rise as agents of transformation and hope in a rapidly evolving world. He encouraged the graduates to carry forward not only academic knowledge but also the invaluable life lessons gained through relationships and experiences during their time at the university.
“Be the embodiment of hope, the promise of innovation, and the leaders of tomorrow,” he stated. “Carry forward the lessons learnt here, not just from books, but from friendships, mentorships, and experiences that have shaped you.”
The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection on key institutional milestones. Professor Agyare highlighted the university’s celebration of 25 years of advancing herbal medicine education and research. He paid tribute to pioneering scholars whose vision laid the foundation for the Bachelor of Science in Herbal Medicine programme.
Special recognition was given to distinguished figures, including Professor Emeritus Kwame Sarpong, Professor M.L.K Mensah, Professor T.C. Fletcher, and Professor Kofi Annan, alongside the Department of Pharmacognosy, for their enduring contributions to the development and sustainability of the programme in its early years.
Professor Agyare emphasized the university’s growing role in addressing national and global challenges through applied research and innovation. He noted that research continues to be central to KNUST’s mission, positioning the institution as a leading hub for practical solutions to development issues.
Highlighting recent breakthroughs, he pointed to a pioneering project by researchers from the Department of Food Science and Technology, who are developing chocolate using okra as a natural alternative ingredient. The initiative, led by Professor Jacob K. Agbenorhevi, has already yielded promising results, particularly in milk chocolate production, and forms part of a broader international collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable food systems.
According to him, such innovations underscore the university’s commitment to reducing reliance on imported raw materials while strengthening local industries. “By exploring locally sourced alternatives, the university is reducing reliance on imports while promoting sustainability,” he noted.
In further advancing its research agenda, Professor Agyare announced the establishment of the Asenso-Boakye Research Hub. The new hub is expected to drive infrastructure development and policy engagement, while strengthening evidence-based decision-making and bridging the gap between research, financing, and policy implementation.
The Provost also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance student employability. Through initiatives such as the Professional Seminar Series, KNUST has deepened industry engagement, reaching over 5,000 students with practical insights and career guidance from seasoned professionals.
“We are committed to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but professionally prepared for today’s job market,” he affirmed.
Touching on inclusivity, Professor Agyare reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting female participation in engineering and energy-related fields. Through strategic partnerships and targeted programmes, KNUST continues to expand opportunities for mentorship, networking, and career development for women.
The 59th Special Congregation marks another significant milestone in the College’s journey of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact, as it sends forth graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
