The Sunyani Technical University (STU) recently welcomed a record-breaking cohort of 4,222 freshmen during its 29th matriculation ceremony. This impressive figure signifies a substantial 25.6% increase compared to the previous year’s intake of 3,362 students and represents 62.3% of the total applicants offered admission. The significant rise underscores the growing appeal of STU, attributed to factors such as the strong performance of its alumni in various industries, the effective promotion of its programs through diverse platforms, and the introduction of new market-driven Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. This surge in enrollment also reinforces the university’s commitment to providing relevant and impactful education that empowers graduates to thrive in the professional world.
The newly matriculated students represent a diverse mix of academic pursuits. The majority, 3,681 students (87.2%), are enrolled in Bachelor’s degree programs (BTech/BSc.), while 111 students (2.6%) have embarked on postgraduate studies at the Master’s level. A further 430 students (10.2%) are pursuing Higher National Diploma and other Diploma programs. Reflecting national educational priorities, the university maintains a strong emphasis on STEM fields, with 2,724 students (64.5%) enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and TVET programs. The remaining 1,498 students (35.5%) are pursuing programs in Business and Administration, maintaining the desired 60/40 ratio between STEM and Humanities disciplines as outlined in the National Education Policy.
Gender representation within the new cohort reveals a larger proportion of male students, with 2,756 (65.3%) compared to 1,466 female students (34.7%). While this disparity persists, the university continues its efforts to promote inclusivity and gender balance across all programs. The Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, highlighted the importance of this enrolment drive and the need to continue improving annual intake to ensure STU contributes significantly to producing skilled graduates ready for the workforce or equipped to launch their own businesses, thus addressing the growing concern of youth unemployment in the country.
The university currently boasts a comprehensive portfolio of 91 fully accredited academic programs, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations. These programs span various levels, including 13 Master of Technology (MTech) programs, 30 Bachelor’s programs (BTech and BSc), 23 Higher National Diploma (HND) programs, 5 Diploma programs, and 20 other non-tertiary TVET programs. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged prospective students, both domestic and international, to consider STU’s industry-oriented programs as a pathway to acquiring valuable knowledge, technical expertise, professional skills, and entrepreneurial acumen, thus enhancing their employability and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
Beyond academic pursuits, the Sunyani Technical University has also demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of its staff, particularly retirees. The university has fully implemented the New Conditions of Service for Unionized Staff of Technical Universities (TUs) in Ghana, which includes the End of Service Benefit (ESB) policy. Approved by the University Council in September 2024, this policy ensures that retiring staff receive one month’s basic salary for each year of service as an end-of-service benefit. This initiative acknowledges the invaluable contributions of dedicated staff members throughout their careers and provides them with financial security upon retirement. The policy took retroactive effect from September 2021, and while some arrears exist, the university has initiated full payments to eligible staff starting from 2022.
The matriculation ceremony served as a platform to recognize the dedication and service of sixteen staff members who retired in 2022. They were formally presented with their End of Service Benefits, solidifying the university’s commitment to honoring its employees. The event was graced by the presence of key university figures, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah; the Director of Finance, Mr. Thomas Kwarfo; Deputy Registrars, Deans, Heads of Department, and Members of Convocation, demonstrating the institution’s collective support for its retirees. This act of recognizing past contributions further reinforces the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive and rewarding environment for all its members, further enhancing its reputation as a leading institution of higher learning.
