Displaying the coalpots was not meant to tout our achievement - Kumasi Technical University
The display of coalpots moulded by first-year engineering students at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) was not meant to tout the university's achievement but it was only to showcase the skills of the students in designing and moulding functional coalpots as part of their academic projects.
"I am putting it on record, that I am the Head of Department of the Automotive and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineering Department, I am saying that, that particular thing on social media, is not meant or was not meant to tout our achievement."
"This is not an achievement, welding of coalpots, it is something that they [students] have done, that we have to be proud of them but it is not an achievement."
"An achievement is one of these things, electric vehicle with a different design or arrangement. That is what we want them to know, because we have not finished this one [electric vehicle], that is why it is not even coming out," the Head of Department of the Automotive and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineering Department at the Kumasi Technical University said in a television interview monitored by Graphic Online on GHOne TV.
"As a country, we have to start from somewhere and end at somewhere, we are worried but we know God will really see us through in these difficult times," he added.
He was reacting to the news story, Kumasi Technical University 1st-year students mould coalpots to transform campus sustainability
Watch the video below for the reaction from the Head of Department at KsTU
The publication of the news story showcasing the skills of students has generated varied public discussions especially on social media, with many downplaying the project work of the students with the explanation that, road side artisans, with very little education in engineering in Kumasi Suame magazine and Kokompe in Accra, have been moulding coalpots all these years.
The Head of Department disclosed that they were working on electric vehicle with a different design and arrangement but because the project was not complete, that is why nobody knows about it.
He showed the said electric vehicle in the television interview.
Watch a video of the interview.
Displaying the coalpots was not meant to tout our achievement - Kumasi Technical University https://t.co/ULVMfUA7sa pic.twitter.com/ZNDUo3SjAY
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) November 10, 2023
Background
In what the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) describes as "a remarkable display of ingenuity and collaboration", first-year engineering students at the university have showcased their skills by designing and moulding functional coalpots as part of their academic projects.
The students, who enrolled in the Automotive Engineering programme, ventured beyond their curriculum to explore innovative solutions.
The group, led by Gladys Cobbinah and her colleagues undertook the task of moulding the coalpots.
Their dedication and teamwork were evident as they successfully presented their creation to the University Management', according to a publication by the University Relations Office on the university’s website.
FUELING INNOVATION: FIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING STUDENTS MOLD MODERN COALPOTS TO TRANSFORM CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY | Kumasi Technical University (kstu.edu.gh)
Gladys Cobbinah expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support provided by the University's Engineering Department.
She highlighted the collaborative effort that allowed them to transform an idea into a tangible invention.
"With the support of my fellow colleagues and the guidance of our department, we were able to develop this coal pot. It's a testament to the university's commitment to fostering practical learning," Cobbinah said.
The coal pots, a testament to the students' hands-on skills, were handed over to the Registrar and his team.
The innovative designs and functional prototypes stood as a testament to the university's emphasis on the practical application of theoretical knowledge, the publication by the University Relations Office seen by Graphic Online stated.
In a thoughtful gesture, These innovative coal pots would be distributed among the university staff. This did not only showcased the students' creativity but also provided a sustainable solution for the university community, it added.
The Registrar, Mr. Ebenezer Kofi Boakye on behalf of the university, received the coal pots during a small ceremony, expressing admiration for the student's work, he emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture of innovation and creativity within the university.
Kumasi Technical University continues to be a hub of forward-thinking education, where students are encouraged to think beyond the classroom and contribute to real-world challenges. The success of these first-year students in creating functional coal pots serves as an inspiring example of the university's commitment to fostering practical learning and innovation, it added.
Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh
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