The Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday held its 2021/2022 matriculation in Accra with 6,941 students admitted to pursue various programmes of study.
The students, comprising of 4,332 males and 2,609 females were admitted into programmes at the Engineering, Applied Arts, Built Environment, Applied Sciences and Business faculties.
The University recorded a 67 per cent increase in the in-take of students in the science and technology programmes compared to humanities which had an intake of 32 per cent.
Vice-Chancellor of ATU, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, admonished the students to prioritise their academics first and to work hard to earn their certificates.
“As the saying goes, ‘time and tide wait for no man’. Do not get carried away by the fun-filled activities on campus to the neglect of your studies to the last minute,” he said.
Prof. Nii Odai charged the students to pursue their academic journey with integrity and honesty so as to join the long line of quality graduates that were produced by the school, warning that any engagement in examination malpractice would be severely punished.
He cautioned students against being carried away by the unlimited freedom that tertiary education offered as it could lead them astray if mishandled.
According to him, the University environment was a place of unlimited freedom that produced both positive and negative forces, adding that it could provide the finest opportunities for them to develop their talents and latent skills if they decided to be law-abiding and focused.
“But it could provide a façade of unlimited opportunities which could tempt you into thinking you are on top of the world and thereby resort to negative practices like drug addiction, gambling, prostitution, drunkenness and other vices. Remember, there is a price that you pay for your actions and inactions,” he added.
Prof. Nii Odai said as part of measures to enforce their new five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), their first strategic pillar “Enhancing students experience” was already in full flight.
In pursuing that, he said lecture rooms, libraries and hostels had been renovated and that classroom furniture had also been procured and a new bus acquired.
According to him, the university placed “a very great importance on you because we consider you as a pivot around which all our efforts revolve. We shall work together to ensure you have a great campus experience”.
He advised the students to be supportive systems to each other academically and emotionally, but to stay clear of situations that would endanger their future.
Prof. Nii Odai entreated the students to be mindful of their dressing and appearance as they were ambassadors of the university and also to stay vigilant on matters concerning their personal safety and security.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO
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