A Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and President of GNAT Institute for Research and Industrial Relations Studies (GNAT IRIRS), Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, has expressed concern over what he described as the declining commitment of some university lecturers to the welfare and development of students, urging academics to place learners at the centre of their work.
He said many lecturers today appeared more focused on publishing books and academic papers than nurturing and mentoring students, a trend he said should be reversed if universities were to remain relevant in shaping future leaders.
Prof. Adow Obeng made the remarks at an international conference organised by the Department of French, Faculty of Arts, College of Humanities and Legal Studies of UCC in honour of Professor Domwini Dabire Kuupole, a former Vice-Chancellor of the university, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Languages
The three-day conference was held on the theme: “Coexistence of Languages in West Africa for Sustainable Regional Integration.”
The conference brought together scholars, researchers, policymakers, language professionals and development practitioners from across West Africa and beyond to deliberate on issues relating to language coexistence and regional integration.
Drawing inspiration from the life and career of Prof. Kuupole, Prof. Adow Obeng said the celebrated academic has always demonstrated a genuine concern for students and humanity, describing him as a scholar whose influence extended far beyond the lecture hall.
“In the thoughts and actions of Professor Kuupole, our students matter. People matter,” he stated.
Rare
He noted that Prof. Kuupole belonged to a rare class of scholars who successfully combined academic excellence with mentorship, leadership and service to society.
Prof. Adow Obeng recounted his long-standing friendship and professional relationship with the former Vice-Chancellor, describing him as humble, disciplined, fair-minded and deeply committed to the advancement of others.
He said Prof. Kuupole played a significant role in many of the achievements recorded during his tenure as Pro Vice-Chancellor and later Vice-Chancellor of UCC.
“Whatever I was able to achieve during my time in office, the thumbprint of Kuupole was somewhere in the picture,” he said.
Contributions
The former Vice-Chancellor also praised Prof. Kuupole's contribution to the growth of UCC, recalling how both men travelled extensively across the country to mobilise support for the university, efforts which eventually contributed to the construction of the Alumni Hostel.
Prof. Adow Obeng further called on UCC to formally honour Prof. Kuupole for his immense contributions to the institution.
“The University of Cape Coast must go back and do what is right by Professor D. D. Kuupole,” he stated.
For his part, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Professor Denis Worlanyo Aheto, described Prof. Kuupole as a great man whose impact on society distinguished him from many successful academics.
“Success is personal accomplishment, but greatness is measured by the impact one makes on society,” he said.
As part of the event, a book titled “From Kraal to Crown”, which chronicles the life and achievements of Prof. Kuupole, was launched.
