Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), on Saturday, 13th May, 2023 conferred Bachelor of
Technology (BTEC), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Professional Diploma on a total of
578 students from various fields of study. 274 were male and 304 female. It was the 11th
Congregation of the University and 98 students obtained 1st Class Honours – 60 females and 38
males.
Speaking at the Ceremony, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Prof.
Francis A. Abantanga expressed appreciation to past and present governments for supporting the
University. He stated that infrastructure and equipment were pivotal in sustaining the growth of
the University and appealed to government to support the University in the areas of lecture halls,
equipment and relevant consumables to enable the University sustain its growth. While
emphasising the need ‘to engineer novel ways of sustaining University activities and reducing
cost resulting from teaching, learning, research and community service”, he also urged
Technical Universities to re-design their curricula to suite the current industrial needs and to
position graduates to create their own jobs. He advised the graduands to proceed to the world of
work with integrity and to ensure that every action they undertake is grounded in ethically sound
convictions as they continue to celebrate their accomplishments.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, on his part noted that student enrolment
was low and adversely impacting Internally-Generated Funds (IGF) of the University and
statutory non-payroll allowances including other equally relevant activities. He added that “The
University is bedeviled with limited lecture halls in keeping with its recently launched 10-year
Strategic Plan and the vision of becoming a preferred Technical University.”
He encouraged staff to continue to build their capacity devoid of dishonesty as the University
introduces new TVET programmes at all levels including master degree programmes in its niche
area, ecological agriculture. In his concluding remarks, he advised the graduands not to throw
their hands in despair in times of challenges but implement the entrepreneurial skills they have
acquired into productive ventures with honesty and ethical standards. This he said, ‘You may
have to knock on many doors. In doing so, you must remain discipline and avoid short-cuts for
they are dangerous’.
Madam Sheila Naa-Boamah, representing the Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Mohammed Salifu,
the Director-General, GTEC, wished the graduands good luck as they join the world of work and
told the University to be keen in implementing suggestions that came up during the recent
institutional review exercise. She also, at the instance of the Alumni Association, presented an
award to the Overall Best Performing Student, Miss Balagumyetime Phina. Miss Balagumyetime
also won the Best Overall BTECH Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Award, the
Best Overall School of Applied Sciences and Arts BTECH Student Award, and the Overall Best
Female Student Award. The Alumni also awarded some 32 students for distinguished academic
performances at Diploma, HND and BTech levels.
Some other awards, numbering about four were also instituted to recognise graduates who had
distinguished themselves academically in their respective fields of study. They included:
i. The maiden Prof Samuel E. Alnaa’s (Vice Chancellor) Best Graduating Female Student
in Engineering Award which was won by Miss Naame Benedette with CGPA of 4.24.
She received Ghc1000.00.
ii. The Dean of the School of Agriculture’s Award to:
a. Overall Best Male Graduating Student in the School of Agriculture, Mr.
Nsoyaaba Nicholas, CGPA 4.66.
b. Overall Best Female Graduating Student in the School of Agriculture, Miss
Ayuyu Aviriba Mauricia, CGPA 3.73.
c. And eight other Prizes for both Best Male and Female Graduating Students in the
Ecological Agriculture and Agriculture Engineering Departments at HND and
B.Tech levels. They each received some cash and certificates.
iii. Dr. Emmanuel Caesar Ayamba’s (Head of Department, Procurement and Logistics
management) Award to the Best Graduating Student in Bachelor of Technology in
Procurement and Supply Chain Management (Top-Up) which was won by Miss Achaab
Matilda, CGPA 4.38 and the Best Graduating Student in HND Procurement and Logistics
Management which was taken by Miss Nampiin Fortunate Lamisi, CGPA 4.57. They
both received some cash.
iv. Dr. Delali Polycarp’s (Head of Department, Hotel, Catering and Institutional
Management) Award to the Best Graduating Student in Bachelor of Technology in
Hospitality Management (Top-Up) which went to Miss Balagumyetime Phina, CGPA
4.81. She received a cash amount of GHc500.00.
The Sakote Dancers treated the dignitaries with some excellent dance moves and performances.
In attendance were Members of the University Governing Council, Vice Chancellors and
Registrars of sister Technical Universities and CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied
Sciences, Convocation and Staff of Bolgatanga Technical University, the Principal of St. John
Bosco’s College of Education, Management Staff of the Cardinal Namdini Mining Company
Limited, Traditional Rulers, Parents, Guardians, the Media, Graduands and their well-wishers
among others.