The 10th college of engineering awards and Career Fair was held from the 20th-23rd of July, 2023 at the Kumapley Auditorium, College of Engineering, KNUST. The program featured the theme “Resilient Engineering for National Development - The synergy between Academia and Industry”. The program was organized to celebrate the achievements of students and Industrial partners of the College of Engineering as well as to provide a platform for students to explore various career opportunities.
Speaking at the program, the Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko stressed on the need for adaptable and sustainable engineering solutions to meet the various challenges that exist globally. He highlighted the various awards under consideration as follows; the Excellent Student Award (CWA 75% or more), Best Student Award (Student with the highest CWA) and the Most Improved Student Award (Student with highest incremental change in CWA). He added that other awards included awards established by individuals and corporate bodies worth monetary value.
He stated that all students who receive awards will be put on the Provost list and will continue to remain on the list based on continuous excellent academic performance. He urged members present to engage in beneficial conversations throughout the Career Fair to explore opportunities within the field of engineering. “Make the most of the expertise in knowledge and use it to unlock your full potential” he said.
He acknowledged industry partners for their massive contribution to training students to meet the prevailing challenges of the world as well as the numerous donations they have made to the College of Engineering.
He took the opportunity to inform stakeholders of the College of Engineering about the establishment of the Endowment fund which serves to promote postgraduate education and research. He mentioned that since its inception, the Endowment fund has received donations from Volta River Authority (VRA), GRIDCO, Ghana Gas, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), NPA, and Associated Consultants. He added that donations have been made by the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), individuals, various class groups and the Ghana Engineering Students Association (GESA). He urged all stakeholders to contribute to the KNUST College of Engineering Endowment Fund (KCEEF).
The Vice President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Ing. Sophia Abena Tijani stressed that Artificial Intelligence is a new technology that can positively impact various aspects of the world economy and encouraged people to embrace the use of Artificial Intelligence. She added that technology is evolving and so there is the need for humanity to embrace it. “This will position us as agents of innovation and change”, she said.
She admonished members to continue to engage in research and also attend important conferences as well to be abreast with the engineering landscape. She urged students to study around areas such as data analytics, programming and other soft skills. She also encouraged Industry players to partner academia to develop future-ready students to contribute to engineering resilience and national development. “Not only engage with students but offer them internships,” she inspired Industry players.
She encouraged Industry to partner academia to setup incubation centres to train entrepreneurs and elevate national development. She re-emphasized that stakeholders should do well to contribute to engineering education by donating to the Endowment Fund.
The Director for Quality Assurance and Planning Office (QAPO) and the Project Lead for the KNUST Engineering Education Project, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, also present, expressed his gratitude to Faculty members for their hard work with regards to ensuring the standard of engineering education. He also recognized the efforts of the students of the College of Engineering, for their outstanding performances and encouraged them to continue to push hard for academic excellence.
