All Six (6) Traditional Halls On KNUST Converted To Mixed Halls
Effective the 2018/2019 Academic year, all traditional halls on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology campus will be converted into mixed halls.
This, according to a statement signed by Ben O. Andoh on behalf the Registrar of the University is to expand access to female students.
The statement reads;
In line with the University’s policy of periodic review of Residential Accommodation for students, it has been decided that effective the 2018/2019 Academic year, all the six (6) Traditional Halls of Residence namely Independence Hall, University Hall. Africa Hall. Republic Hall Unity Hall, and Queen Elizabeth II Hall would be designated as mixed Halls.
The University’s policy of expanding access to female students remain unchanged.”
Meanwhile, a writ seeking an interlocutory injunction has been filed in the Kumasi high court to restrain the authorities of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from converting University Hall (Katanga) into a mixed-gender hall.
The suit, filed on August 13, 2018 and served on the authorities the following day, seeks to restrain the Vice Chancellor, the Dean of Students, and their assigns and agents, from engaging in any further unlawful and/or unconstitutional acts of varying the status of KATANGA by admitting female students and/or displacing male student until final determination of a substantive lawsuit that is currently pending before the courts.
It would be recalled that on July 19, three students of KATANGA filed a suit at the high court in Kumasi seeking to permanently restrain the authorities of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from converting the all-male hall of residence to a mixed gender one.
However, information from the KNUST admissions websites suggest that the university authorities have blatantly ignored the lawsuit and have started assigning females to KATANGA.
In February 2018, the university authorities announced plans to convert KATANGA and Unity Hall (CONTI) into mixed-gender halls.
With all diplomatic efforts by students and alumni failing to influence the authorities, tensions are quickly rising with potential security concerns on campus.
On August 10, students and alumni of the two halls presented a petition to the Offices of the President, Minister of State (Tertiary Education) and Council of State to intervene after a peaceful march through the streets of Accra.
Another march to the Chancellor of KNUST, OTUMFUO OSEI TUTU II, is planned for Friday August 17.
Source: www.nydjlive.com
