Professor Ablada Glover, former Dean of the College of Art of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has deplored conditions at the College, which he described as "bleak", compared to other faculties.

Professor Glover, who is an Almuni of KNUST, urged the authorities to give priority attention to the growth and proper development of the college, since it has a crucial role to play in achieving the true mission of KNUST.

Professor Glover was delivering the second in a series of Inter-Faculty Lectures, organised by the KNUST as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations on Wednesday in Kumasi. His topic was, "Art, perception and cultural vision in the light of contemporary challenges".

Professor Glover said "The long standing antagonistic posture of powers to stifle the growth of the college, must give way to a healthier atmosphere to nurture".

He said the focus of the founding fathers of KNUST was to produce "doers and performers who would exercise their creative skills, but unfortunately, we have undermined this structure".

Professor Glover, who is the Executive Director of the Artists Alliance Gallery in Accra, said it was essential that creative and practical courses like Art, Home Science, Music and Physical Education were introduced at the college but unfortunately those courses seemed to have been sidelined.

Professor Glover spoke against rivalry on the campus adding, "academic rivalry is not part of the University's genetic make-up so competition should be encouraged".