FPPS Welcomes Fresh Students at First-Year Orientation
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPPS), KNUST, successfully organized a First-Year Orientation Programme on Monday, 12th January 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The programme was designed to formally welcome newly admitted students and to introduce them to academic life, faculty expectations, available support systems, and student leadership structures within the Faculty and the wider College.
The programme commenced with an opening prayer, after which the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. (Mrs.) Evelyn Asante-Kwatia, introduced the senior members of the Faculty. The Dean of FPPS, Prof. Samuel Asare-Nkansah, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the purpose of the orientation and emphasizing why the students were admitted into the Faculty, with a focus on professionalism, discipline, academic excellence and self-belief.
Academic expectations and preparation for pharmacy training were addressed by Prof. John N. A. Adottey, who provided guidance on study habits, workload management, and the rigour of pharmacy education. Student leadership was represented through short addresses by the Presidents of GHEMSA and GPSA, who shared experiences and encouraged first-year students to actively engage in student activities while maintaining academic focus.
Issues relating to conduct, presentation, and student welfare were discussed by Prof. Mercy N. A. Opare-Addo, who outlined acceptable behaviour within the Faculty and highlighted welfare support available to students. Laboratory safety was emphasized in a presentation by Prof. Isaac Ayensu, underscoring best practices and safety protocols essential for laboratory-based training.
Prof. Wonder K. M. Abotsi provided a detailed session on examinations in the Faculty, covering assessment formats, regulations, and common pitfalls to avoid. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Joseph Asamoah-Gyawu on when and why students should seek support from the College Counsellor, emphasizing mental health, adjustment challenges, and personal development. The E-learning Representative also briefed students on the use of the University’s e-learning platforms and the expectations for digital engagement.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, a vote of thanks delivered by a first-year student Julius Agyeiwodo and a closing prayer by Dr Joseph Adu. Overall, the orientation programme was well-structured and informative, providing first-year students with a strong foundation for a successful academic journey in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
