University of Ghana steps up graduate admission to make Legon research institution
The University of Ghana has stepped up graduate admissions to turn the university into a world-class research institution.
Consequently, it increased admissions from 1,267 in 2009/2010 to 3,331 in the 2012/2013 academic year.
It has also restructured its PhD programmes and modified its MPhil programmes to conform to global demands and trends.
Research Report
The Vice-Chancellor of the school, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, outlined the measures at the launch of the maiden University of Ghana Research Report at Legon in Accra last Friday.
The 108-page research report, launched by the Chairman of the University Council, Mr Justice Samuel K. Date-Bah, seeks to showcase the university’s research strength and achievements to its stakeholders and the wider community.
It also seeks to tell the story of the university and enhance its image and ranking.
Establishment of ORID
Prof. Aryeetey said in its quest for world-class status the university established, the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) in August 2010 to advance the university’s research activities.
“ORID’s establishment is also intended to enhance research output through the support provided to faculty and students to enable them to attain the highest potential in their research fields,” he explained.
Prof. Aryeetey said the maiden research report was a step close to achieving its objective, adding that “I have always emphasised my commitment to transforming this university into a research institution that supports structural transformation in Ghana, Africa and the world at large.”
Focus for next year
Presenting the research report, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Development, Professor John Gyapong, said research reports were common among “all good universities.”
He said for next year, ORID had identified key areas it intended to tackle, and mentioned them as malaria research and control, food security and crop improvement, climate change and adaptation and development policy and poverty monitoring and evaluation.
Launch
Launching the report, Mr Justice Date-Bah said that research and innovation underpinned the capacity of the university to shape the world and future existence.
“Countries with strong research and development systems have taken steps to enhance the livelihood of their ordinary citizens. Through research, there is the fostering of an enabling environment for creativity and the discovering of new ways of doing things,” he added.