Renowned theologian and academic, Rev. Prof. Safo-Kantanka, former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Ms. Diana Asonaba Dapaah and celebrated music producer, Zapp Mallet, captivated attendees with thought-provoking insights at the 2025 Nyansapo Dialogue Series held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
The panellists shared lessons from their time on campus and how the university shaped their lives and careers.
Drawing on his wealth of experience as an educator and spiritual leader, Rt. Reverend Professor Osei Safo-Kantanka, former Methodist Bishop and Crop Breeder shared his experiences studying Agriculture at KNUST.
He noted how his course choice gave way to appreciation over time. “If you’ve been given a course, align yourself with it immediately and strive for excellence. You never know where it might lead you,” he advised. Â
He inspired participants with the story of Biblical Daniel and his three friends. He encouraged students to participate in extracurricular activities and stay informed about disciplines beyond their core studies.
“Watch whom you associate with while you’re in the university. The university presents all kinds of opportunities. You should develop an aptitude for every kind of learning and explore something beyond your Engineering or Medicine,” he noted.
“There’s so much that can shape you while you’re here, which may ultimately determine what you’ll do with your life when you leave the walls of the university,” he added.
Underscoring the importance of teamwork, Mr. Mallet encouraged students to remain self-motivated while cultivating strong networks.
“In every endeavor, you need to collaborate. If you’re alone, you won’t be effective enough. If you have a network, it’s easier to get help. Human beings can always fail you, but learn to stand on your own,” he advised.
Ms. Diana Asonaba Dapaah added: “KNUST, as a new step for all of you, presents you with a blank sheet to rewrite your life. Forget where you are coming from and rewrite your story.”
Reminiscing about her days on campus, she recounted, “There weren’t enough books on campus, so we had to wait until vacation to go to the Balm Library in Accra to study. This experience made us tenacious, and it helped us excel in our law professional courses after earning our degrees at KNUST.”
About the Nyansapo Dialogue Series
The Nyansapo Dialogue Series, in its third year is organised by the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office. It is a collaboration with the KNUST Student Representative Council.
It brings together distinguished alumni to interact with students, exchanging ideas to inspire a more responsible attitude towards realizing KNUST’s vision.
The SRC President, Mr Kane Nana Francis, highlighted the council’s dedication to prioritising students' development.
He emphasised the university’s aim of equipping students with the skills and resilience needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.
“The SRC is here to put students first,” he stated. “The job market keeps changing, so embrace the supplementary services offered by the school. Don’t complain or approach school like a commoner. The world is counting on your efforts.”
Director of Students Affairs, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah spoke about how the dialogue series connects the past, present and potential future of our university community.
She celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of KNUST alumni and their significant contributions to society.
She urged the students to seize the opportunity to network and form meaningful relationships during the event.
“Consider this gathering a privilege to engage with alumni. Network and leave here with a mentor. Let us remember that our institution’s strength lies not in its buildings but in the relationships, we build and the milieu we create for all to thrive,” she said.