Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, Vice-Chancellor of TTU
The Vice-Chancellor of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU), John Frank Eshun, has revealed that the university will introduce a public ranking of its six faculties based on their contribution to research development next academic year.
Rev. Prof. Eshun made this known at TTU’s 6th congregation ceremony over the weekend, which saw 354 graduands obtaining first-class honours and 2,166 obtaining second class honours out of 4,218 graduating students of the 2020/2021 academic year.
Explaining the decision to rank the faculties, Prof Eshun said TTU is poised to provide excellent technical education and training, innovative applied research and consultancy services with global visibility, hence the priority on research development.
Ranking
He noted that the University had embarked on vigorous research activities aimed at equipping staff to appreciate the contribution of research to the ranking and visibility of universities.
“From next academic year, faculties will be ranked according to their contributions to research and grants. The outstanding faculty and staff members will be awarded. We believe this will lead to access to grants since every lecturer is expected to be a fundraiser to support the institution as well as promoting research among faculty members,” he added.
He also disclosed that in line with this, TTU had secured $500,000 grant for a solar energy training centre to train staff and students in solar energy projects as well as a grant donation by the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) for the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Giving his report at the first virtual congregation of TTU, the Vice-Chancellor said the university had no choice but to hold the 6th Congregation online, following the worsening threat of COVID-19.
Only the first-class students had the opportunity to be physically present at the ceremony.
Performance
While congratulating graduands for their accomplishments, as well as TTU staff for their sacrifices, Rev. Prof. Eshun said the successful performance of students in the year under review showed good results of investment made over the period.
“The University successfully turned out 4,218 graduands including 6 Master of Technology awards, 1,131 Bachelor of Technology degrees, 2,348 Higher National Diplomas awards, 420 non-tertiary diplomas and 255 Civil Engineering graduands receiving HND Competency-Based Training, he revealed, adding that the University’s quest to offer all-inclusive education has seen the admission of students with special needs (deaf and dumb and other physical disability),” he said.
According to him, 21 students with disability were among the graduating class, while 16 were with hearing challenges (deaf students) and five students with physical disabilities.
The Vice-Chancellor said the University has a steady staff development agenda to help build the capacity of its staff, and commended GNPC Foundation for its support.
“A total of 64 staff members have been granted study leave (local and abroad) in the year under review. That’s, 16 PhDs, 26 Masters, 5 Bachelors, 13 HNDs and 4 on various professional programmes. I thank GNPC Foundation for supporting the University’s staff development agenda this year with sponsorship package worth GH¢344, 991,” he said.
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In the area of learning and training, Professor Eshun announced that the university is retooling and partnering with relevant institutions in Ghana and beyond as well as industry to achieve its mandate, especially in its niche area of petroleum.
He added that the supply of Internet had been improved to provide uninterrupted internet access to the University.
In striving to attain its objectives, the university has procured 250 computers, 28 projectors and other equipment to retool all its laboratories and classrooms for the next academic year.
Credit: Citinewsroom
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