The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced that, beginning next academic year, diploma-in-nursing holders who intend to top-up their programme to degree will spend only 2 years instead of the previous 3 years at the University. This, according to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, forms part of strategies to provide comprehensive professional training for students within a short time frame.
She was addressing nursing and midwifery graduates at the 10th graduation ceremony for Ministry of Health training institutions. “For all diploma holders, now your top-up to degree BSc will take two years. What this means is that you all have to take advantage of this and further your education”, she said.
Seventy-six (76) health training institutions affiliated to KNUST presented a total of 14,197 students for the graduation. Professor Akosua Dickson implored the graduands to be up to the task in contributing effectively to enhance and improve the healthcare ecosystem in a more positive and inspirational way.
“You’re stepping into a world that needs your skills, compassion, and leadership. Challenges will come your way, but it is up to you to turn them into opportunities and serve well. The healthcare landscape is evolving, and with this, the role of healthcare professionals keeps expanding.
Your graduation today does not bring the learning process to an end, so continue to add value to yourselves”. Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah admitted that the recent mass exodus of healthcare professionals from Ghana to developed countries is of great concern to the government.
“As a result of this, the government is taking steps to revamp and open up the health sector to enable it to absorb top-notch health professionals that this country trains. The fact that the Western economies are ready to employ doctors, nurses, and other health professionals from Ghana is a clear indication that our training system is on track. So we are doing everything possible to retain some of the best”, she assured.
The Minister charged the graduating health professionals to accept postings to any part of the country where their services are needed the most. KNUST’s journey of mentorship for the health training institutions of the Ministry of Health began in 2013 with only the midwifery training schools. It expanded to include Nursing Training Colleges and Community Health Training Institutions. Presently, there are 77 Health Training Institutions affiliated to KNUST.
By: Ibrahim Abubakar
