The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has received a total of 637 applications from prospective students, Professor Fred Binka, Vice- Chancellor of the University, said on Friday.

He told the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education under the leadership of Mr. Puozaa Mathias, when it met with the University Council in Ho for the progress report on the establishment of the University.

Prof. Binka said a total of 200 out of the number would be admitted to pursue different programmes in five schools of the University.

The Schools are; School of Medicine, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied and Health Sciences, School of Public Health and School of Nursing and Midwifery.

He said the School of Public Health would be based in Hohoe while the others would be in Ho.

Prof. Binka said the National Accreditation Board (NAB) had given the University initial accreditation and that it was ready to begin operation next academic year with its “key administrative and academic staff.”

He said the University also has enough lecture halls and hostel accommodation for its 200 students.

Prof. Binka said the University would have three semesters - two for academics and one for attachment in communities - to prepare students for community service.

He said two main pillars- research and community service - would make UHAS, a “University of a difference”.

Professor Kofi Anyidoho, Chairman of the University Council, said classes would begin in the third week of October irrespective of some minor challenges. “We are putting finishing touches to a few things, but hopefully, they will be done in two weeks and by the third week of October, we will start classes,” he assured.

Prof. Anyidoho stressed that UHAS would be a University of a difference and called for support of all.

Members of the Committee, who were visibly impressed by the report, commended the Council for its effort.

Some members of the Committee, however, urged the Council not to bite more than it could chew.