Sunyani Technical University (STU) in the Bono Region has graduated 1,897 students at its 18th Congregation, with the Vice-Chancellor appealing to the government for increased support in staffing, infrastructure and student accommodation.
The graduands, drawn from the 2024/2025 academic year, were awarded Master of Technology (MTech), Bachelor of Technology/Bachelor of Science (BTech/BSc), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Diploma certificates in Engineering and Built Environment-related disciplines.
Vice-Chancellor of STU, Prof. Kwabena Adinkrah-Appiah, disclosed that 288 students, representing 15.2 per cent, graduated with First Class honours, while 1,109 students (58.5 per cent) earned Second Class Upper. A total of 463 students (24.4 per cent) obtained Second Class Lower, and 32 students (1.7 per cent) graduated with a Pass.
He noted that programmes in Engineering, Science and Technology, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and Applied Arts accounted for 70.7 per cent of the graduands, with the remaining 29.3 per cent from Humanities-related disciplines.
The congregation, held under the theme “Sustainable Skills Development for Global Job Creation and Employability,” reflected the need to equip graduates with adaptable, innovative and industry-relevant skills in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah said the theme aligns with Ghana’s national development agenda, particularly efforts to position TVET as a key driver of industrialisation and job creation, citing initiatives such as Ghana CARES ‘Obaatan Pa’ and the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).
He explained that STU has adopted the Education 5.0 framework, integrating teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation to produce graduates who are not only job seekers but also job creators.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University’s student population currently stands at 10,125, supported by 750 staff, made up of 570 full-time and 180 part-time employees. Faculty strength, he said, increased marginally from 249 in 2024 to 255 in 2025.
However, he expressed concern that the current staffing levels fall short of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s (GTEC) student–lecturer ratio requirements, compelling the University to rely heavily on part-time lecturers.
He therefore appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to approve the University’s pending request for financial clearance to recruit additional staff, warning that further delays could negatively affect academic quality.
Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah announced that STU currently runs 92 accredited programmes, comprising 13 MTech, 31 Bachelor’s degrees, 24 HND, five Diplomas, and 20 non-tertiary TVET craft programmes.
On infrastructure, he revealed that the government has granted GETFund financial clearance of GH¢72 million for Phase II of the STU Science Park Project, with construction already underway.
Additional clearance has also enabled the procurement of teaching and learning equipment, including computers, projectors and furniture.
He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the GETFund Board and GTEC for the support, while appealing for further assistance to construct student hostel facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted several achievements of the University, including winning the Best SDG Teaching and Learning Award at the 6th Africa Sustainability Report and Think Energy SDGs Awards 2025 in Accra. The Department of General Agriculture was also adjudged Best Tertiary Institution at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in Sunyani East.
Additionally, STU has secured four fully funded Russian scholarships for its graduates to pursue postgraduate studies in Engineering, with the expectation that beneficiaries will return to serve as faculty members.
Female engineering students of the University also won the Debate Challenge at the 4th Women in Engineering (WINE) Affairs Competition held at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).
Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah announced that STU will host the 2027 GHATUSA Games and has inaugurated a Local Organising Committee, appealing for investment in sports infrastructure, including the completion of the AstroTurf and tartan tracks.
He further disclosed that the University will mark its 60th anniversary in 2027, with a formal launch scheduled for April 2026.
Outlining challenges facing the institution, the Vice-Chancellor cited inadequate lecture halls, poor internal road networks and limited student accommodation.
He appealed for government support to construct a 1,200-bed hostel and provide asphalt overlay for the University’s six-kilometre internal road network, including the Waterloo stretch.
Addressing the graduating class, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah urged them to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and collaboration, describing them as job creators rather than job seekers.
“The future belongs to those who can apply their skills sustainably, think critically and act responsibly,” he said.