The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has officially ushered in a new chapter in its history with the investiture of Professor Christian Agyare as the institution’s 13th Vice Chancellor, amid calls for visionary leadership, innovation and academic excellence.
The colourful ceremony, held on the university’s campus in Kumasi brought together traditional leaders, government officials, academia, students, alumni and development partners to witness the formal transfer of leadership.
Delivering the Chancellor’s address, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST, described the occasion as more than a leadership transition, saying it represented the continuation of the university’s long standing tradition of excellence.
He urged Professor Agyare to lead with wisdom, integrity, humility and courage while preserving KNUST’s rich legacy and positioning the institution to meet emerging global challenges.
“Leadership is built not merely on authority but on consultation, collaboration and service,” the Asantehene stressed, encouraging the new Vice Chancellor to unite faculty, students, staff and alumni behind a common vision.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening higher education describing universities as strategic national assets essential to Ghana’s development.
He noted that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and research commercialisation require universities to continually adapt and innovate.
Mr. Debrah also paid glowing tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his remarkable contributions to education, peace building and national development while commending outgoing Vice Chancellor Professor Rita Akosua Dickson for her transformational leadership over the past four years.
According to him, Professor Dickson leaves behind an enduring legacy of academic excellence, infrastructural expansion, innovation and increased international recognition for KNUST.
In her farewell address, Professor Dickson expressed profound gratitude to God, the University Council, staff, students, alumni and development partners for their unwavering support throughout her tenure.
She congratulated Professor Agyare and pledged her continued support to the university even after leaving office.
She further appealed to the entire KNUST community to rally behind the new Vice Chancellor, stressing that no leader succeeds without the commitment and cooperation of stakeholders.
Reflecting on her stewardship, Professor Dickson also offered a heartfelt apology to anyone who may have been hurt by decisions taken during her administration, explaining that every decision was made in what she believed to be the best interest of the university.
In his inaugural address, Professor Christian Agyare pledged to build on the solid foundation established by his predecessors while steering KNUST from “excellence to eminence.”
He outlined an ambitious vision anchored on seven strategic priorities: transformative education, institutional excellence and good governance, sustainable infrastructure development, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, strategic partnerships and global visibility, financial sustainability and people centred leadership.
Professor Agyare said KNUST must embrace innovation and emerging technologies to remain globally competitive, adding that artificial intelligence would be integrated into teaching, research, administration and student services.
He also pledged to strengthen governance, promote accountability, expand international collaborations, diversify revenue sources and prioritise the welfare of students and staff.
“Our greatest asset is our people,” he stated, adding that institutions flourish when those who serve within them are empowered to succeed.
The new Vice Chancellor acknowledged the support of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the University Council, his predecessor Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, his family, mentors and colleagues for their role in his academic and professional journey.
The investiture concluded with renewed calls for unity across the KNUST community as university leadership, government officials and stakeholders pledged to work together to strengthen the institution’s global reputation in research, innovation and higher education.
Professor Christian Agyare succeeds Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, becoming the 13th Vice Chancellor in KNUST’s 75year history.
By Michael Walier
Email: [email protected]
