Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abass Apaak, has challenged universities in Ghana to ensure thier research directly improves the lives of Ghanaians.
“Research must travel beyond journals and conferences. It must enter cabinet memoranda, district development plans, farms, clinics, classrooms, businesses and community meetings,” he said.
According to him, universities must measure their success not only by buildings and publications, but also by the impact of their graduates and research on society.
He also called on the university to prepare for the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence by investing in infrastructure, ethical standards and human capacity to use the technology responsibly without undermining academic integrity.
The Deputy Minister appealed to the university community to support Professor Iddrisu’s administration while holding it accountable.
“Support does not mean the absence of accountability, and accountability does not mean hostility,” he said.
In his acceptance address, the newly inducted Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, pledged to enhance academic progress, strengthen partnerships and internationalisation, and expand productive relationships with governments, civil society, alumni, communities and universities around the world.
He promised good governance, accountability and ethical leadership, saying transparency would be “routine, not occasional”.
“We will pursue financial growth and sustainability through careful, valid, and competitive activities. Public funding remains vital, but ambition requires that we broaden our resources,” he added.
Prof Iddrisu said he would mobilise alumni and philanthropic support, develop strategic ventures and ensure that every initiative is professionally managed and aligned with the university’s academic mission.
He expressed gratitude to the Governing Council for the confidence reposed in him, stressing that his appointment was not merely a recognition of an individual but a call to serve the university and contribute to the broader development of the region and the country.
