Food Science Freshmen Urged to Stay Disciplined and Focused as Academic Journey Begins

Freshmen of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi have been urged to remain disciplined, focused, and determined as they begin their academic journey, during an orientation programme held by the department.

Head of Department, Professor Jacob K. Agbenohevi, told the students that success in the four-year programme would depend largely on personal commitment and adherence to university regulations.

“Nobody will pay the price for you. You must do the work now,” he said, encouraging students to study diligently, obey university rules, and complete their programme within the stipulated time.

He assured them of the department’s well-trained academic staff and urged students to make effective use of their assigned academic tutors, describing them as the first point of contact for academic and personal challenges.

He also highlighted internship opportunities, field trips, and international collaborations that offer student exchange opportunities with partner universities abroad, noting that career prospects in food science are limitless.

Speaking on career opportunities, Dr. Nana Baah Peprah Ameyaw described food scientists as the “invisible architects” behind the products people consume daily.

“As food scientists, you will soon begin to see the invisible world behind food,” he said. “Food science is evolving even into space and you are fortunate to be entering the field at this time.”

He outlined diverse career pathways available to graduates, including roles in industry, health, government, research, academia, regulatory agencies, NGOs, and entrepreneurship. He categorized professionals in the field as “makers” who design food products, “enforcers” in quality assurance and regulation, and “discoverers” in research and academia.

The department’s Examination Officer, Dr. John-Lewis Zaukuu, briefed students on assessment procedures, course registration, deferment, supplementary examinations, and examination regulations. He stressed the importance of completing biometric registration and warned that failure to comply with academic requirements could lead to deferment.

He also cautioned against examination malpractices, noting that sanctions range from reprimand and withholding of results to suspension or dismissal from the university.

On discipline, time management, and personal planning, Dr. Eric Owusu Mensah urged students to cultivate habits that support both academic success and personal growth, stressing that discipline must begin immediately.

He encouraged students to constantly assess their decisions by asking whether they were urgent or important, and to act promptly on tasks that advance their academic goals.

“If it is urgent and important, do it now. If it is not important, learn to say no,” he said, adding that procrastination could derail even the most promising academic journey. He reminded students that excellence is a core value of KNUST and that discipline remains the bridge between ambition and achievement.

Former Head of Department, Professor (Mrs). Faustina Wireko Manu, advised students to support one another and make use of the university’s counselling services to maintain emotional well-being.

She encouraged students to balance academics with extracurricular activities and urged female students to join women-focused initiatives such as STEM and WiSTEM Ghana to build confidence and leadership skills.

Speaking on communication and information management, Miss Edith Asravor, an Administrative Assistant at the College, advised students to rely strictly on official University, college and departmental communication channels.

She cautioned that misinformation from unofficial sources could cause students to miss critical deadlines, adding that staying informed was an essential part of academic responsibility.

President of the Association of Food Science and Technology Students (AFSTS), Master Appiah Abraham Atta, encouraged the freshmen to actively participate in the association, assuring them of support for student welfare, academic growth, and a sense of belonging throughout their stay at the university.