By Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA
Kumasi, Aug. 02, GNA – The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has sworn-in Professor Christian Agyare as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with a call to provide solutions which inspire confidence.
“Never lose sight of the reasons for which this university exists.
Every policy, decision, investment, and reform you make must enhance teaching, learning, research, innovation and service to society”, the Asantehene advised.
At the investiture of the new Vice-Chancellor in Kumasi, the Asantehene acknowledged that leadership was not the absence of challenges but the ability to transform them into opportunities.
He said: “As you begin this important journey, take notice that universities thrive through consultations rather than command.
You are going to meet a community of scholars, professionals and administrators whose unique opinions will contribute to the advancement of the institution. Your success will depend not only on the decisions you make but also your ability to bring people together for a common good.”
He acknowledged that the differences of opinions were natural within every great university.
He reminded the new Vice-Chancellor that there were evidence of intellectual vitality and his responsibility would be to ensure that such differences were managed through the university’s established structures.
The Asantehene asked that to ensure fairness, respect and openness, the Vice-Chancellor must address internal challenges to strengthen the institution rather than diminishing public confidence in the university.
He urged the university council, staff and other stakeholders to extend their full cooperation and support to the new Vice-Chancellor, adding that leadership thrives where there is trust, goodwill and a shared commitment to a common good.
“Let us all work together to ensure that KNUST continues to grow in excellence, relevance and global influence,” he appealed.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu paid a glowing tribute to the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson for serving with distinction and unwavering commitment recounting her leadership as one which had advanced the university’s growth and strengthened its reputation.
Prof. Christian Agyare is a distinguished academic, accomplished researcher, and transformative institutional leader whose career has been defined by excellence in pharmaceutical sciences, higher education management and global scientific engagement.
As he is invested as the Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, he brings to the office more than twenty-five years of exemplary service in research, teaching, innovation, academic leadership, and national development.
The new Vice-Chancellor has successfully attracted over US$11 million in research grants and institutional support from several internationally renowned funding organisations including the German Research Council (DFG), German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Mastercard Foundation and the World Bank.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Florence Afriyie Mensah
Email: [email protected]