Pursue research for humanitarian, societal progress - UG Pro Vice-Chancellor
The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, has urged members of academia to pursue research and studies that contribute to humanitarian and societal progress.
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He indicated that academia was uniquely positioned to contribute to solutions that could improve the human condition and society in general, stressing that research endeavours should focus on the greater good to ensure that their work not only advanced knowledge but also addressed the pressing needs of humanity.
“You will need to continue to pursue excellence for the future of the nation and the world. Do not take this for granted. Do not regret what you have learned. Rather, this is a time to intensify your work or even more importantly, focus your attention on research. As you continue with your research, think about how your research will contribute to humanitarian and societal progress,” he said.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, however, lamented how the university was facing difficulties in pre-financing research projects and studies, adding; “Currently, they're struggling for donor funding and big grants; it's for the institution to commit.”
Annual Pen Ceremony
Prof. Asante was speaking at the maiden Annual Pen Ceremony organised by the UG College of Education (CoE) last Wednesday to celebrate the achievements and contributions of four faculty members of the college, who had been promoted to Associate Professor grade between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2024.
They were Prof. Isaac Kofi Biney, Prof. Inusah Salifu, Prof. Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin and Prof. Boadi Agyekum.
They received citations, plaques and laptops, in addition to the pen to symbolise the importance of writing in academia, representing both scholarly work and the broader advancement of human knowledge within universities.
Significance
The Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Ni Ardey Codjoe, recalled that one of his key concerns when he assumed office was the limited number of senior members of the college at the professorial level.
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“I considered several initiatives, such as establishing research surveillance sites, which is now underway, creating a Centre for Education Research and Policy, which has received approval from the University Council, and increasing the pool of research fellows, of which we now have two additional slots,” he said.
Prof. Codjoe stressed that having a large number of senior faculty would better position the university to achieve its strategic objectives by addressing classroom teaching, research, consultation, and service to the university, the community and the nation, as well as representing the university at various regional and international fora.
The ceremony, he said, would therefore, inspire others to advance in their academic careers and encourage students to consider academic professions.
“We believe that the award scheme will promote academic excellence, encourage research, and stimulate the spread of knowledge in the college,” the Provost added.
Prof. Codjoe encouraged the honourees to keep pushing for excellence in the academic journey and also challenged them not to settle in a state of self-satisfaction, as that could lead to complacency and ultimately mediocrity.