KNUST Reveals Official List of 13 Schools, Spotlight on Medical Sciences and Dentistry
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KNUST Unveils Official List of Schools, Spotlight on Medical Sciences & Dentistry
By Yen.com.gh – November 4, 2023
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana’s flagship public research institution, announced today the official list of its constituent schools. While the university’s full roster spans a wide range of disciplines—from Engineering and Computer Science to Social Sciences and Humanities—the announcement has drawn particular attention to the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Dentistry, two flagship faculties that are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the country’s health challenges.
The Official Release
The university’s press release, shared via the KNUST website and the university’s social media channels, confirmed the operational status of 13 schools. The list is also reproduced in a news feature on Yen.com.gh, providing the public with a concise snapshot of the academic structure. According to the article, the schools are:
- School of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
- School of Computer and Information Sciences
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering
- School of Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- School of Information, Media and Design
- School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- School of Natural and Physical Sciences
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Physical and Health Sciences
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Medical Sciences
- School of Dentistry
- School of Graduate Studies and Research
While most of these schools have been long‑established, the article highlights that KNUST’s School of Medical Sciences and School of Dentistry are currently in a phase of rapid expansion, driven by new research initiatives and upgraded facilities.
School of Medical Sciences – A Growing Hub of Health Research
KNUST’s School of Medical Sciences (SKMS) is described as a cornerstone of the university’s health‑related offerings. The article links directly to the SKMS webpage, where visitors can find detailed course offerings, faculty profiles, and research highlights. Some of the key points include:
- Curriculum: The SKMS offers an MBCHB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program, several MSc programmes (Public Health, Clinical Medicine), and a PhD pathway.
- Research Focus: The school has recently launched projects on tropical diseases, maternal health, and chronic non‑communicable diseases, many of which are funded by international agencies such as the World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Facilities: New laboratories for molecular biology and a state‑of‑the‑art simulation centre for clinical skills have been established. These facilities aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical competence.
- Collaborations: The article notes partnerships with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching and Research Center (KATT), enabling students to rotate through clinical settings and gain exposure to diverse patient populations.
The article quotes the dean of the school, Dr. Kwabena Agyemang, who remarked, “Our goal is to produce clinicians and researchers who are not only technically competent but also culturally sensitive and community‑driven.” He added that the school’s enrollment capacity has increased by 25 % over the past three years.
School of Dentistry – Molding the Future of Oral Health
The School of Dentistry (SoD) is portrayed as one of KNUST’s newest yet rapidly expanding faculties. Through a hyperlink to the SoD’s homepage, readers can explore its program details. Key points highlighted in the article:
- Program Offerings: The SoD offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, with additional postgraduate options in Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery.
- Clinical Training: The school operates a dental clinic that serves both the university community and the surrounding Kumasi residents. The clinic’s catchment area includes over 15,000 patients per year, providing students with hands‑on experience.
- Research: Recent projects include studies on oral cancer prevalence in Ghanaian communities and the impact of fluoride supplementation on child oral health. Funding for these studies comes from the Ghana Health Service and the National Research Foundation.
- Future Expansion: The article mentions a planned 30‑bed dental hospital that will be constructed on campus by 2026, providing advanced surgical and restorative services.
Dean Dr. Yaw Ananse expressed enthusiasm for the school’s trajectory: “Dental education is often under‑emphasized in our national agenda, but oral health is a gateway to overall well‑being. We are committed to raising the standard of dental care across Ghana.”
The Bigger Picture – KNUST’s Role in Ghana’s Knowledge Economy
Beyond the two highlighted schools, the article contextualizes KNUST’s broader contribution to Ghana’s development. The university is described as a key driver in the country’s “Knowledge Economy” strategy, producing graduates who are innovators in technology, energy, and sustainable agriculture. KNUST’s graduate studies arm is especially active in interdisciplinary research, encouraging cross‑sector collaboration.
The article also points to a recent announcement that KNUST will be the host for the 2025 African Innovation Summit, a platform that will bring together scholars, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to address continental challenges. It is expected that the summit will showcase KNUST’s research in medical sciences and dentistry, further elevating the university’s profile.
Admission Process and Prospective Student Guidance
For students eyeing the School of Medical Sciences or the School of Dentistry, the article includes practical information on admission. A link directs readers to the KNUST admission portal, which outlines the application deadlines, required qualifications, and selection criteria. Notably:
- Medical Sciences: Applicants must have a minimum of 10 CSEC passes, including mathematics and sciences, and an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5. The selection also includes an interview and an entrance examination.
- Dentistry: The application window opens in January, with a mandatory science foundation course (chemistry, biology, and mathematics) for all applicants. Prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions held at the university’s virtual platform.
The article emphasizes that both programs are highly competitive, with acceptance rates hovering around 15 %. Prospective students are urged to prepare early, seek guidance from current students, and attend the free orientation webinars offered by the university.
Looking Ahead
The article ends with a forward‑looking note, stressing that KNUST’s expansion in health sciences is part of a larger national agenda to strengthen health care delivery across Ghana. With new facilities, expanded research, and stronger industry partnerships, both the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Dentistry are poised to produce a new generation of health professionals equipped to tackle emerging challenges—from pandemics to chronic disease management.
By providing this comprehensive overview, Yen.com.gh offers Ghanaian readers a clear understanding of KNUST’s current academic landscape, its strategic priorities, and practical guidance for students and stakeholders interested in the university’s health‑science programs.
Read the Full Yen.com.gh Article at:
[ https://yen.com.gh/education/296022-knust-relaases-lists-school-medical-sciences-school-dentistry/ ]