UMaT introduces meal scheme and emergency fund for students

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has launched a One-Meal-a-Day scheme and an Emergency Student Support Fund to help students facing financial hardships. Vice-Chancellor Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng unveiled these initiatives during the university’s 25th matriculation ceremony. The primary goal of the programs is to alleviate students’ financial pressures so they can concentrate on their studies.

The university will also implement a Work-Study Scheme, providing paid part-time opportunities in various departments such as libraries, laboratories, and administrative offices. This year, UMaT has admitted 5,787 fresh undergraduate students out of 23,081 applications, a significant increase from last year’s 21,489 applications. The surge in enrolment has put pressure on existing university facilities, including lecture halls, laboratories, and student accommodation.

Despite the challenges, Professor Kumi-Boateng emphasized that the institution will not let students' potential be limited by the size of the available spaces. He announced plans to expand the university’s infrastructure, including constructing new faculty blocks and modern laboratories. By 2028, every classroom is expected to be equipped with smart technology. The university is also making coding certification mandatory for all first-year students to support the government’s One Million Coders initiative.

Female enrolment at UMaT has also improved, with women making up 2,193 of the 2026/2027 fresh undergraduate admissions, accounting for 38%, up from 34% in the previous year. These developments are part of UMaT’s ambition to become the MIT of Africa.