The University of Cape Coast has conferred degrees on 20 pioneer students of the CSIR College of Science and Technology (CCST), at the College’s maiden congregation and ceremony in Fumesua in the Ashanti Region.
The students, graduated with degrees in the areas of Master of Philosophy and Science (MPhil/MSc) in Climate Change and Integrated Natural Resources Management, MPhil Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.
Others were MPhil Soil Health and Environmental Resources Management, MPhil Food Science and Technology.
The programme coincided with the investiture of Prof. Mark Appiah as CCST President.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, who was present at the function, noted that the University was proud to be offering mentoring services to CCST. He indicated that the University was committed to the growth and development of its affiliate institutions and, therefore, would provide CCST with the needed support to become a recognised academic institution of excellence in the country and beyond. “CCST as our affiliate will be provided with the needed support to become one of the best tertiary institutions in the country and beyond.
In his address, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, lauded the College for its vision to churning out practically-oriented graduates.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, noted that the poverty gap between the developed and under-developed countries was a technology gap. He explained that the gap was a result of the technology capabilities of the countries which were their ability to access, understand, and utilize science and technology for the solution of their socio-economic problems.
The Minister posited that, the economy of the world was knowledge-based as well as science and technology-driven adding, “clean, affordable and safe energy, agriculture, medicine and health, clean air and water, transportation and sanitation management, utilisation and conservation of natural resources, are all propelled by science and technology.”
According to Prof. Frimpong-Boateng the country’s development was dependent on the ability to understand, interpret, select, adapt, use, transmit, diffuse, produce and commercialise scientific and technological knowledge in ways appropriate to the culture, aspirations, and level of development.
The Minister advised the graduands to go out and be different from others by creating jobs and not to look for jobs considering their knowledge and experience in their respective areas of study and work.
Management of the College honoured Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, for his contribution to the success story of the College