Fresh students of the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) have been urged to take full advantage of the government’s No Fees Stress policy for first-year students to ensure a smooth and successful academic journey.
The call was made by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Peter Osei Boamah, during the 24th matriculation ceremony of BTU held over the weekend at the Sumbrungu Campus.
Welcoming the newly admitted students, Prof. Boamah said the policy forms part of a broader national agenda to expand access to tertiary education and remove financial barriers, particularly for first-year students and persons with disabilities. He encouraged the matriculants to use the opportunity to focus on their studies and graduate as valuable assets to the nation.
“For many of you, this policy removes a major burden. I urge you to take full advantage of it so that you can complete your studies and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
Prof. Boamah revealed that for the 2025/2026 academic year, the university received 2,216 applications and admitted 1,856 students, representing a three percent increase over the previous year. The intake includes 133 postgraduate students, 854 four-year Bachelor of Technology students, 394 top-up students, 290 Higher National Diploma students, and 185 diploma students.
He noted that the gender distribution of the new cohort stands at 1,057 males, representing 56.95 percent, and 789 females, representing 49.05 percent, reflecting efforts toward balanced representation.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor also announced the introduction of new academic programmes, including postgraduate degrees in Hospitality Management, Construction Management, Financial Engineering, Accounting Technology, and Business Management, as well as undergraduate and diploma programmes in Renewable Energy Engineering, Graphic Communication Design, and Furniture Design.
He described students enrolled in the new programmes as pioneer cohorts and challenged them to set high standards of academic excellence. On accommodation, Prof. Boamah acknowledged the limited on-campus housing facilities but assured students that management is in active discussions with private investors to expand residential capacity.
Source: A1 Radio |101.1 Mhz | Joshua Asaah| Sumbrungu
