Background of the School of Graduate Studies
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) started as Graduate School, Grants and Research in September 2021/2022 academic year. It led graduate programme activities, assisted in creating opportunities, and explored funding avenues to promote and support research in the University. In September 2022/2023 academic year, the School of Graduate Studies was separated from Grants and Research, making it a faculty on its own.
The School of Graduate Studies seeks to promote the development of human resources and undertake research to solve critical societal problems relating to engineering, science and technology-based disciplines, TVET, applied arts and related disciplines. Specifically, the Graduate School performs the following duties;
Appraisal of candidates, supervisors, coursework, thesis topics, titles, and synopsis for higher qualifications based upon recommendations from departmental committees.
Recommend the appointment of internal and external examiners in respect of written papers for postgraduate courses, dissertations or thesis to the Academic Board based on the recommendations from Department Boards.
Keep records of all graduate students and publish the graduate handbook from time to time.
Periodically initiate the process for review of the graduate curricula.
Make recommendations to the Academic Board for the award of post-graduate diplomas and higher degrees upon recommendation from the graduate school Board.
Liaise with Heads of Departments on post-graduate matters in the various departments
Establish and maintain links with graduate schools in other institutions and promote exchanges of graduate students and staff engaged in graduate work between the University and other institutions.
Currently, the School of Graduate Studies coordinates the following Master of Technology (MTech) and Master of Science (MSc) programmes:
Master of Technology (MTech)
· MTech Construction Technology and Management
· MTech Telecommunications Engineering
· MTech Water and Sanitation Engineering
· MTech Road and Transportation Engineering
· MTech Structural Engineering
· MTech Automobile Engineering
· MTech Plant Engineering
· MTech Production Engineering
· MTech Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power)
Master of Science (MSc)
· MSc Procurement and Supply Chain Management
· MSc Marketing
Vision
To be the leading hub for graduate education and research that develops visionary industry leaders and innovators for global impact.
Mission
The School of Graduate Studies seeks to advance industrial and socio-economic transformation through career-focused graduate education that integrates practical training, entrepreneurial development, and applied research in an enabling academic environment.
Staff of the School of Graduate Studies
Julius Caesar Puoza is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Sunyani Technical University (STU). He is the current Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. His research interests are: tribology of mechanical systems, laser surface texturing, metal machining, and sustainable engineering.
Professor Puoza is a well-read scholar with over twenty-three (23) refereed journal and conference publications. He has reviewed articles for numerous reputable journals worldwide and serves as an external examiner/moderator for other universities in the country. He is a people-oriented individual who values teamwork.
He is committed to fostering a deeper connection with both staff and students, seeking to provide them with opportunities for personal growth and development while remaining open to new ideas and creative thinking. Puoza has worked at the University in other positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department. His goal is to serve the University, Country, and the World by inspiring my generation to pursue lifelong learning and excellent leadership.
Public Profile
- Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/346093
- Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57193670877
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZZKIr1cAAAAJ&hl=en
- ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julius-Puoza
Dr. Albert Yaw Appiah is the Vice Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Sunyani Technical University (STU), Ghana. He is a dedicated academic leader, researcher, and innovator with a strong background in electrical and electronics engineering, artificial intelligence, and academic administration.
Before his current role, Dr. Appiah served as the Faculty of Engineering Examinations Officer from September 2020 to August 2022, where he contributed to improving examination integrity and assessment processes. He later served as Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from September 2022 to August 2024, during which he instituted a series of research capacity-building workshops that attracted participation from across the university. These workshops covered key topics including:
1. How to build a successful research career in a university environment
2. Anatomy and physiology of research papers
3. How to conduct a systematic literature review for publication
4. Research design
5. An overview of academic writing
6. An overview of the research publication process
7. Writing research papers with Overleaf and Mendeley
Dr. Appiah has also served as a Process Expert for the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) from 2021 to present, where he contributed to the development of competency-based training (CBT) curricula in Solar Energy Technology, Instrumentation, and Electrical Technology.
He currently leads initiatives at the Graduate School aimed at enhancing postgraduate research culture, supervision quality, and industry-research collaboration. His professional interests span artificial intelligence development, engineering education, and research management.
Mr. George Abisah Blankson is an accomplished university administrator currently serving as Registrar at the School of Graduate Studies, Sunyani Technical University. With a strong background in higher education administration, he brings dedication, professionalism, and innovation to the management and coordination of academic and administrative affairs. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management, Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA), and a Chartered Professional Administrator (CPA) Certificate. Additionally, he holds a Certificate in AI Prompt Engineering, awarded by the Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana, and the African Diaspora Central Bank. Mr. Blankson is a highly motivated, innovative, and results-oriented professional who thrives in dynamic institutional environments. He is committed to maintaining a productive work culture, achieving organizational goals, and fostering teamwork and collaboration. Known for his integrity, adaptability, and strong leadership skills, he approaches every task with a “can-do” spirit and a focus on continuous improvement.