Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi has sounded the alarm on a growing mental health crisis among students. The warning comes as the university's Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) celebrates its second edition of DoSA Day, themed "Promoting a Collective Stakeholder Commitment to Student Affairs."
Speaking at the event, KNUST Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor David Asamoah emphasized that universities must create environments that enable students to thrive intentionally. He noted that while academic excellence remains central to the university's mission, producing ethically grounded, emotionally resilient, and socially responsible graduates is equally important.
Student Affairs is Everyone's Responsibility
According to Professor Asamoah, today's students face unprecedented challenges, including mental health concerns, financial pressures, loneliness, career uncertainty, and the distractions of an increasingly digital world. He urged students to make use of the support systems available through the Directorate of Student Affairs, saying, "Seek help whenever you need it. Do not suffer in silence. Participate actively in leadership programmes, student organisations, volunteer activities, and mentorship opportunities."
Director of Student Affairs Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah highlighted the Directorate's role in promoting students' welfare. She explained that DoSA Day was introduced to showcase the initiatives and interventions put in place for students' well-being. "Our goal is to help students become not just graduates, but well-rounded personalities who will carry our institution's name forward and contribute meaningfully to nation building," she said.
Support Services Available
As part of the celebration, the Directorate honoured 40 former and current staff members for their outstanding contributions to student affairs at KNUST. The awardees included former directors, deans, vice deans, administrative heads, hall masters, senior tutors, and other staff whose dedication has helped shape student life and welfare at the university. Professor Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Chairman of the DoSA Day Planning Committee, encouraged participants to actively engage in the day's activities, build partnerships, and familiarise themselves with the range of support services available to students.
Shared Responsibility
Professor Asamoah Sakyi emphasized that student affairs is not the responsibility of one directorate alone, but the shared responsibility of the entire university community and its stakeholders. He urged all stakeholders to work together to promote students' welfare and well-being.
The KNUST DoSA Day celebration comes at a time when mental health concerns are increasingly being discussed globally. The university's initiative to promote collective stakeholder commitment to student affairs is a step in the right direction, acknowledging the complex challenges students face today. As the university continues to address these challenges, it remains to be seen how effective its support systems will be in ensuring the well-being of its students.
Source: Joy Online
