KNUST INSTALLS DNA EQUIPMENT (PAGE 6, NOV 19)

THE Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Tchnology (KNUST) has installed equipment capable of conducting DNA tests in the country.
Financed through the university’s internally generated funds, the equipment, and others installed and refurbished under a project called, “The Turnkey Project” were inaugurated at the College of Sciences of the KNUST yesterday.
Estimated at GH¢15 million, the equipment also included those that could conduct glaucoma tests, undertake assorted seed propagation, as well as water and quality food analysis.
The Physics, Chemistry, Optometry and Visual Science as well as the Theoretical and Applied Biology Laboratories of the College of Science benefited from the project.
Also, installed at the laboratory were 132 modern computers and their accessories, as well as 13 SDC projectors and other facilities that enhance research work.
According to the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, the university would soon instal CCTV cameras at all the laboratories to avoid pilfering of any of the laboratory equipment to enable the university to fully benefit from the investments made.
In an address to inaugurate the equipment , Professor Adarkwa said the facilities would not only give the students the requisite exposure, but would also help to bring teaching and learning in the college to international standards.
He said apart from the laboratory equipment, there were other physical works carried out at the laboratories as a way of creating a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
He mentioned fixing of sliding windows and doors, changing of bench tops for the installation of computers, electrical re—wiring for stabiliser installation, as well as installation of split-air conditioners and polishing of terrazzo floors.
The Vice Chancellor stated that other works carried out also included networking of all the laboratories, fitting of audio visual equipment in all the laboratories, painting and re-roofing and tiling of the floors .
Professor Adarkwa expressed hope that the project which was carried out through their internally generated funds would boost the enthusiasm of the staff to conduct a series of research works that would impact positively on the operations of the university.
In his address the Provost of the College of Science Professor Aboagye Menyeh, commended Professor Adarkwa “ for sustaining the momentum to modernise our laboratories”.
He explained that the priority given to the project by the Vice Chancellor facilitated its completion, thereby creating an environment that had made laboratory work interesting .
He advised the students to take advantage of the modern facilities and focus on their academic programmes for their own good and that of the nation, saying “ with these facilities, you have no excuse to grumble”.
Stressing, he said “ you are to use these facilities to enable you to acquire practical and experimental skills as well as better understand the theories you learn in the classrooms”.
“ Your parents, the Government and, indeed, the university are investing heavily in your training We hope your training will pay the nation the best interest to he noted .