The Material and Metallurgical Engineering Department of the College of Engineering has cited its highest CWA yet in the person of Jude Kapare. He granted the College of Engineering an interview into his Journey to his undergraduate academic success.
The interview is as follows:
What’s your full name?
My name is Jude Yinenti Kpare.
What program did you read?
I read a Bachelor’s Degree program in Materials Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
What year did you complete your undergraduate program?
I graduated last year. November 2021 to be precise.
You’re the highest CWA holder in your department, isn’t it?
Yes, please. By the grace of God, I am.
Could you please briefly tell me what that means?
It means the final CWA I attained on graduation is the highest ever recorded by a student graduating from both the Materials and Metallurgical engineering programs since the program’s inception.
Was it a deliberate effort?
Errmm. I wouldn’t say it was. Maybe partly. When I got admitted into KNUST to read the Materials Engineering program, honestly I was disappointed, because I was hoping to land my first choice program which was Mechanical Engineering. However, reflecting on it now, I think it was a blessing in disguise, because, though I didn’t know much about the program, I decided to put in my best to study it. The more I studied, the more I fell in love with the program, as materials form the basis for all other engineering fields and processes. Everything starts with materials.
I just wanted to do the best for myself and to make my parents proud, but when our first-year first-semester results were released and pasted on the notice board, I found myself to be at the top of the class and I decided to work even harder to maintain it and justify my position.
How did you maintain it?
I actually did not make a conscious effort to maintain it. I believe it was all by God’s Grace. Though I was serious with my studies, I had other extracurricular activities I was involved in - being a member of the choir and orchestra in my church, Deeper Life, and mentoring other students. However, I think what helped me most was group studies. In my first year, one of my lecturers, Dr. Frank advised me to form a study group to help my friends. As the best student, many of my mates and juniors inevitably came to me for assistance. Through helping them, I realized I understood things even better and so I didn’t have to study much during examinations.
My study group was also like a personal check for me, to keep me on my toes. Because I was teaching others, I had to make sure I really paid attention and understood concepts in class so I could explain the concepts to them. Also, during times when I felt really lazy or demotivated to study, my friends were always there to motivate me and I’m glad we all graduated with good grades.
By the end of 2nd year, I had a CWA close to the 80 mark and so, I promised myself I’ll have to hit the 80-point mark and surpass it before I graduate. I put in the work, my normal study time, group studies, and prayers. By the end of 3rd year, I was able to reach my goal. The final year was a bit tough with project work, the strike, and all the pressure after the COVID pandemic, but I stayed consistent and I’m glad it paid off.
Lastly, what are some of the benefits of your program of study?
Materials Engineering, as we say in the Department, is the core of engineering technology. Everything starts and ends with a material.
Materials and Metallurgical Engineers are mainly involved in understanding the intricate makeup of materials, so they can manipulate that structure and tailor it to specific applications.
As such, materials engineers are much sought after, worldwide, in the fields of mining, aerospace, electronics, oil and gas, building construction, plastic industries, pharmaceuticals, and emerging fields such as nanotechnology, photonics, and quantum computing. Materials Scientists and Engineers are setting the pace for technological advancement.
You will never lack an opportunity to fit anywhere as a Materials Engineer once you know the basics. I’ve never regretted studying Materials Engineering. I hope to contribute to our Country’s and the world’s development through the application of the knowledge I’ve gained in this program.
Thank you, Mr. Kpare, for granting us this interview, we wish you the very best moving forward.
You are welcome. Thank you too for the opportunity
(Interview by Afia K. A. A. Boateng)
