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In an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship and innovation, a former student of Kumasi Technical University has transformed her final-year project into a flourishing commercial venture. Ms. Anastasia Acquah, an alumna of the University who pursued a Bachelor of Technology programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences under the Faculty of Health Sciences, has harnessed the power of natural remedies to create a very efficacious skincare product.

Anastasia's journey to success began when she joined the four-year bachelor's degree programme as a Top-up student, following the completion of a Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Dispensing Technology within the same institution. In her final year, she undertook a research project under the supervision of Prof. Samuel Osei-Djarbeng, focusing on the formulation of a unique bar soap utilizing the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem.

The Neem tree, known for its myriad medicinal properties, is a revered plant in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian mythology. Motivated by the remarkable potential of Neem for enhancing skin health, the decision was made to formulate a bar soap from Neem leaves, aimed at addressing various skin conditions. The project was executed with resounding success, and the positive feedback from early users of the Neem soap was amazing.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Anastasia Acquah expressed her profound appreciation for pursuing the Bachelor of Technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences programme offered at Kumasi Technical University. She sees the programme as a gateway for serious students to acquire practical skills that empower them to become self-employed upon graduation.

"I must say, I am proud of myself, proud of my supervisor and proud of KsTU," she said.

Anastasia's venture showcases the power of dedication, innovation, and the pursuit of meaningful solutions. It does not only exemplifies the potential of higher education to nurture budding entrepreneurs but also underscores the significance of utilizing natural resources for the benefit of society.

As Ms. Anastasia Acquah continues her journey in the world of business, her Neem soap stands as a testament to the transformative potential of ideas born in the lecture hall. It's an extraordinary reminder of the many untapped opportunities that await those with the vision to see them and the courage to pursue them.

I will advise potential university students to seek professional guidance in the selection of programmes to pursue at the universities so that they select programmes that will empower them to become entrepreneurs. As my supervisor would always say, ‘the future does not hold for job-seekers but embraces job-creators’, it is therefore important that individuals make adequate use of the knowledge they acquire from such programmes to make them self-sufficient.

Additionally, it is beneficial to choose project topics with tangible outcomes and concentrate on developing such projects after graduation. Individuals should be courageous enough to develop and market such project outcomes after adequate research. This approach, to me, will not only empower individuals to be self-employed but will also contribute to job creation, thereby addressing the issue of unemployment in the country.