Authorities of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, have for the purpose of providing sufficient intern accommodation for female students taken a bold decision to convert two male halls into mixed halls.
The two halls to be converted are Unity Hall and the University Hall popularly known as 'Katanga'
Spokesperson for the University, Kwame Yeboah Junior in an interview with CITI FM news indicated that “from the university's decision, it is to provide accommodation for more female students in the university therefore the move to change the male halls into mixed ones.”
However, mixed reactions greeted the dean of students, Professor William Gariba when he officially announced to students that the unity hall and Katanga, strictly male halls will be altered into mixed halls beginning next academic year.
This announcement has caused some students to threaten to go on demonstration if the decision taken by authorities is not rescinded.
While authorities of the school say the conversion of the two male halls is to increase the number of female students admitted into residential facilities on campus, in order to achieve gender equality per the international standards, rumours have it that the authorities have taken that swift move to curb the long standing clashes between the two main halls which sometimes turn bloody.
The University Hall was named to commemorate the accession of the Kumasi College of Technology to full University status on 22nd August, 1961. It is an all male Hall. The main hall has 198 rooms excluding flats, and the annex has 95 rooms. It is popularly known as" KATANGA".
Facilities include Games room, A Gym, Chapel, Internet Cafe, A mini market, Communication centre, Barbering Salon, kitchen that serves food etc.
Unity Hall is the largest hall with an original accommodation capacity of 448 rooms but presently have 36 extra flats. It is an all-male hall with modern facilities and nicknamed “The Twin Towers". Members are known as "Continentals".
Facilities include a modern internet cafe, Communication & Business centre, Basket ball court, Games room, A Boutique & Gift Shop, Barbering Salon, kitchen that serves food and a Shopping mall with a well stocked Supermarket.
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