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From Arts to Engineering: KNUST's Most Inspirational Graduate Story

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 6:23 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

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From General Arts to Engineering: The Inspiring Journey of KNUST’s Top Graduate

Ghana’s most recent “Best Graduate” award ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) turned out to be more than a mere celebration of academic excellence. The winner’s story—an extraordinary transition from a General Arts background to a top-tier engineering degree—offers a powerful narrative about perseverance, mentorship, and the evolving nature of higher education in Ghana. In what has been dubbed “the most talked‑about graduate of the year,” the KNUST campus, alumni network, and national media all turned their attention to one student whose path defied conventional expectations.

A Surprising Beginning

The featured student, whose full name was intentionally withheld in the article to highlight the journey over the individual, began his tertiary studies as a member of KNUST’s School of General Arts. “I didn’t have a clear vision at the time,” he recalled in an interview. “I was simply curious about the world and wanted to learn something that would broaden my horizons.” While he enjoyed courses in history, philosophy, and cultural studies, he soon felt a growing pull toward the applied sciences. The story’s author, citing an early conversation with a senior professor in the School of Engineering, points to this moment as a turning point: “The professor noticed the student’s knack for analytical thinking and suggested he consider a pathway into engineering.”

Navigating a Difficult Transition

The transition was not a simple one‑step process. KNUST’s regulations require students to meet certain prerequisite modules before enrolling in an engineering programme. The student had to take additional mathematics, physics, and chemistry courses in his final year of the General Arts degree. According to the article, he spent countless evenings at the university library, balancing a part‑time job as a tutor for fellow students. “I was studying late into the night while teaching others how to approach problem‑solving,” he said. His dedication paid off when he secured a place in the School of Engineering, specifically the Electrical and Electronics Engineering track.

The article’s writer delves into the emotional and financial strain this change imposed. KNUST’s tuition for engineering students is higher, and the student had to apply for multiple scholarships. He received a scholarship from the Ghana Education Service and an award from a private foundation that supports STEM education. The author notes that “the financial support was crucial, but so was the emotional support from a small community of mentors who saw potential in him.”

Academic Excellence and Beyond

Once enrolled, the student’s performance skyrocketed. His final year project, a low‑cost solar‑powered irrigation system, won a “Best Innovation” award at a regional engineering fair. The article quotes his supervisor: “His project was not only technically sound but also socially relevant—he was thinking about how to help smallholder farmers in the Volta Region.” In addition to the project, the student earned a cumulative GPA of 3.91, placing him at the top of his class and earning him the prestigious “Outstanding Graduate” award.

The piece also highlights the student’s extracurricular achievements. He served as the president of the KNUST Engineering Society, organized community outreach programs, and mentored first‑year students. These activities helped shape his leadership skills, which the article’s author sees as integral to his success.

A Model for Future Generations

The article emphasizes how the student’s journey reflects larger trends in Ghana’s education system. The Ministry of Education’s recent policy brief, which is linked within the article, encourages interdisciplinary learning and supports students who switch tracks. “KNUST’s ability to accommodate this student demonstrates the flexibility of Ghanaian universities,” the author writes. Furthermore, the piece links to an interview with the university’s Vice‑Chancellor, who praises the institution’s culture of nurturing talent regardless of its source.

The student’s own reflection ties his personal narrative to national aspirations. “I want to give back to the community that helped me,” he told the writer. “If I can inspire even one young person to consider STEM, it will be worth all the challenges I faced.” The article ends on a note of optimism, citing a recent study from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration that projects a 30 % increase in STEM graduates over the next decade.

Takeaway Points

1. Unconventional Start – The student began in a non‑science field, highlighting that early academic choices are not destiny.
2. Resilience & Support – Overcoming additional coursework and financial obstacles required both personal grit and a supportive mentorship network.
3. Academic & Social Impact – The blend of high academic achievement and socially relevant projects set the student apart.
4. Leadership & Outreach – Serving as a society president and mentoring others underscores the importance of community engagement.
5. Broader Implications – The story showcases Ghana’s educational policies aimed at encouraging interdisciplinary mobility and supports the growing narrative that engineering talent can come from diverse academic roots.

In sum, the article from GhanaWeb presents a compelling portrait of a KNUST student whose transformation from a General Arts major to a celebrated engineering graduate exemplifies the power of resilience, mentorship, and the flexible pathways within Ghana’s higher‑education system. As the country continues to invest in STEM and interdisciplinary learning, stories like this one serve as both inspiration and proof that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected beginnings.