University students urged to be self-discipline

Mampong (Ash), Oct 22, GNA - Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) on Saturday formally condemned the violent clash that took place between students of the Asante-Mampong Campus of the university and those of the Amaniampong Secondary School in May this year.

He said it was highly unacceptable for university students, whose training and orientation should expose them to the basic tenets of self-restraint, to engage students of a second-cycle institution in an unwarranted confrontation.

"No matter how provocative the behaviour of the Amaniampong Secondary School students was, you as university students, deemed to be matured, should have exercised patience and genuine restraint", the Vice-Chancellor pointed out.

Prof Anamuah-Mensah stated this when he addressed this year's matriculation ceremony of the College of Agriculture Education of UEW at Asante-Mampong.

Out of 736 prospective students who applied for admission into the College, only 407 applicants were admitted to pursue the Bachelor of Education (BED) in Agriculture and Bachelor of Education in Integrated Science Programmes. Seven students were also admitted to begin two-year Master of Philosophy programmes in soil and animal services.

While appealing to the chiefs and people of the Mampong traditional area and other stakeholders to put the past behind them, Prof Anamuah-Mensah gave the assurance that the university's authorities would not deal leniently with any culprit of the violence.

Following the clashes which led to the destruction of property in both the university campus and the secondary school, a committee, chaired by Professor Akwasi Asabre Ameyaw, Pro Vice-Chancellor of UEW was set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the confrontation.

Prof. Anamuah-Mensah warned the fresh students against such unruly behaviour, reminding them that the authorities would ensure that students conform to the rules and regulations of the university. The Vice-Chancellor advised the matriculants to work hard to earn their degrees, especially now that knowledge is increasing at a very fast pace.

He also urged them to live morally upright and dignified lives and desist from those activities that may jeopardise their future aspirations.

In a welcoming address, the Principal of the College, Professor A.K. Tuah, expressed gratitude to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and other donors for assisting the College to provide infrastructure and facilities for both lecturers and students. He warned the students against taking the academic freedom that allows them to express independent thoughts for granted. Prof. Tuah told them that this freedom of free expression also makes them accountable for their actions.