Professor Anning Urges Discipline and Resilience as Biological Sciences Students Begin Academic Journey
The Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi Professor Alexander Kofi Anning, has urged first-year students to embrace discipline, curiosity and resilience as they begin their studies, describing biological sciences as one of the most critical fields for addressing global challenges.
Speaking at the orientation of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Prof. Anning noted that in a period marked by climate change, emerging diseases, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, biological sciences play a central role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Professor Anning said graduates of the programme form part of a diverse alumni network contributing across multiple sectors of the national economy and to global sustainable development.
He stressed, however, that university education in the sciences is rigorous and demands discipline, curiosity, integrity, teamwork and resilience. Students, he said, are expected to attend lectures and practical sessions regularly, read beyond lecture notes, ask questions, think critically and adhere strictly to academic honesty.
Professor Anning acknowledged that students would encounter academic challenges, including difficult courses and assessments, but said such experiences are an integral part of scientific training rather than indicators of failure.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities in research, student societies, fieldwork and mentorship, noting that the next four years would shape both their professional careers and their broader contribution to society.
The Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences, Professor John Assiedu Larbi, also addressed the students, describing the Biological Sciences programme as versatile and full of opportunities across healthcare, agriculture and other sectors. He assured students that they were “not in the wrong place” and urged them to work hard and strive for excellence.
Dr. Mrs. Sandra Abankwa Kwarteng, a Senior Lecturer, spoke on job prospects, advising students to remain focused, disciplined and committed. She stressed the importance of building complementary skills such as communication, data analysis and the use of artificial intelligence tools through workshops, seminars and internships.
“Do something now so that your future self will applaud you,” she said, encouraging students to seek practical experience, volunteer and expose themselves to real-world work environments.
On internships, Professor Kingsley Badu, an Associate Professor, urged students to make effective use of vacation periods, describing industrial attachments as a key factor that distinguishes graduates in the job market. He said internships bridge the gap between theory and practice, build confidence and signal readiness to employers.
The department’s Exams Officer, Dr. Kwadwo Boampong, reminded students of the university’s strict examination regulations, warning that KNUST does not tolerate examination malpractice and imposes severe sanctions, including dismissal, on offenders.
Professor Aurelia Linda Ofori, also an Associate Professor in the department, emphasised the importance of social awareness and relationship-building, advising students to engage in departmental activities while maintaining focus on their academics. She encouraged students to be authentic, manage stress, eat healthily and exercise, warning that lack of social interaction can lead to loneliness.
The orientation marked the formal welcome of students into the BSc Biological Sciences programme, with faculty members expressing confidence that the next four years would shape not only the students’ careers but also their future impact on society.
