The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is to expand its distance learning programme to the Republic of South Sudan.

Professor William Otoo Ellis, the Vice-Chancellor, announced the programme, following discussions between the University authorities and South Sudanese Ambassador, an initiative designed to bolster development of the human resource base of Africa’s newest independent country.

Prof Ellis said the project is being executed under KNUST’s International Distance Learning Platform, which was launched last year to give opportunity to the University to establish strong presence in other countries.

The programme had so far seen the University make in-roads in Nigeria and Dubai as it aspires to become a Centre of Excellence in science and technology education, training and research.

Prof Ellis, who was addressing a congregation of KNUST School of Graduate Studies in Kumasi, affirmed the authorities’ resolve to work assiduously to achieve their mission.

A total of 2, 292 students graduated with 22 out of the number receiving doctorate degrees. This brings to 8, 055 the total number of students who graduated from the University’s six Colleges.

Professor Ellis indicated that the University made major strides in the field of research, particularly last year, winning a number of grants in the area of renewable energy, soil and seed sciences, as well as business development and food sciences.

The KNUST, he said, was also selected as the West African Regional Centre for Water and Environmental Sanitation to advance research and the training of the critical human resource to spearhead development in those areas.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, and Chancellor of the University, challenged the graduating students to be problem-solving.

He said the knowledge they have acquired, should offer them the capacity to research and come out with alternative solutions to alleviate the plight of the people.