Accra, Oct. 8, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) will soon automate its Distance Learning programme to enable students to have lectures in their homes. Professor William Otoo Ellis, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, said the automation of the programme would provide a stimulating academic and social environment for students to grow and achieve their potential. "One of our cherished values is to embrace a more student-centered approach to relate to students," he said. Prof. Ellis announced this during this year's Matriculation Ceremony for students of the Institute of Distance Learning of the southern sector held at the National Theatre in Accra. A total of 1,912 students matriculated from the southern sector made u= p Accra, Ho, Koforidua, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Tarkwa. This included 929 undergraduate students and 983 postgraduate students= .. Prof. Ellis said the admission of senior high students into the first year just after writing their examination brought an unprecedented pressure on staff as well as students and guardians. He said the situation delayed the start of the first semester of 2011/2012 academic year for about three weeks and created a slight shift in the academic calendar.

Prof. Ellis suggested that it would be appropriate for government to consider strategizing ahead of 2013 during which the number of senior high school graduates seeking tertiary education would double. He explained that two batches of final year senior high students made up of those from the three-year programme and four-year programme would be writing the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in 2013. He appealed to government to expand infrastructure, equipment and accommodation of the schools and employ more staff to them to handle the situation effectively. Prof. Ellis cautioned the fresh students to apply strictly to the regulations governing their conducts. "If you fall foul to any of the rules of the university, you are sur= e to attract the attendant punishment," he said. "Be on your guard in all that you do so you can earn your degrees peacefully and safely," he said.