The Academic Board and authorities of universities in the country have been urged to encourage post-graduate studies.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwah, stated at the 41st Congregation of the University in Kumasi.

He expressed concern about the low patronage of post-graduate programmes in the country and noted that the development did not promote research for industrial and socio-economic development.

He stated that a reputable research institution like the KNUST had only 6.3 per cent of students pursuing post-graduate programmes at the School of Graduate Studies.

In all, 239 out of 3,121 students who graduated with first degrees had first class while 345 graduated with masters' degrees.

He cautioned them not to be satisfied with only their academic qualification but to strive to put into practice what they had been taught for the accelerated development of the nation.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the Academic Board of the University was committed to evolving programmes that would enhance research in all fields, especially science and technology.

Prof Adarkwah said it was about time that graduate students shifted from always looking up to the government for employment since university education was tailored for self-employment.

He commended the students for their co-operation, discipline and commitment to learning and said this enabled the University to have a "trouble-free" academic year.

Nana Otuo Sereboe II, Juabenhene and Chairman of the University Council, asked the graduates to channel the youthful exuberance, expertise and knowledge into profitable ventures to make university education meaningful and an important tool for addressing the nation's development needs.

He commended the government for the investment it continues to make in the university and expressed the hope that this would go a long way to make KNUST a centre of excellence.

Source: GNA