UMaT introduces meal scheme and emergency fund for students

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has introduced a One-Meal-a-Day scheme and an Emergency Student Support Fund to support students facing financial difficulties.

The initiatives, announced by Vice-Chancellor Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng at the university’s 25th matriculation ceremony, are aimed at easing students’ financial challenges and helping them focus on their education.

“We are launching this scheme to ensure that our neediest students receive a daily meal, allowing them to focus on their studies rather than their hunger,” he said.

The university will also introduce a Work-Study Scheme, offering paid part-time opportunities in its libraries, laboratories and administrative offices.

UMaT has admitted 5,787 fresh undergraduate students for the 2026/2027 academic year from 23,081 applications, up from 21,489 applications last year.

But the growing numbers are putting pressure on existing facilities, with the Vice-Chancellor identifying inadequate lecture halls, laboratories and student accommodation as major challenges.

“We will not let your potential be limited by the size of a room,” Professor Kumi-Boateng said, as he outlined plans to expand the university’s infrastructure.

Management plans to construct new faculty blocks and modern laboratories, with every classroom expected to be equipped with smart technology by 2028.

The university is also making coding certification compulsory for all first-year students, in support of the government’s One Million Coders initiative.

Meanwhile, female enrolment continues to improve. Women account for 2,193 of this year’s fresh undergraduate admissions, representing 38 per cent, compared with 34 per cent last year.

UMaT says the developments form part of its ambition to become the MIT of Africa.