Picture : Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh on his Ceremonial Chair after the swearing-in
Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) witnessed a historic day on January 19th as Professor Gabriel Dwomoh was formally sworn in as the Institution's new Vice-Chancellor. The ceremony which was held at the University's New Great Hall, marked the beginning of a new era for KsTU under the leadership of a renowned Human Resource Management expert.
Taking over as the former Pro Vice-Chancellor from Ing. Prof. Osei-Wusu Achaw, Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh pledged to build upon KsTU's strong foundation and propel the University to even greater heights.
In his inaugural speech, Prof. Dwomoh expressed gratitude to the Chancellor, the Governing Council and the entire University community for the trust and confidence reposed in him.
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor outlined his vision for KsTU, aiming to continue the agenda of elevating the Institution to a world-class Technical University and become a hub for creating global leaders. He pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to develop more competency-based programmes and implement innovative strategies to increase the enrolment of students.
"I believe with your collective support coupled with my commitment and determination to succeed, we can reposition KsTU as a world-class Technical University and additionally become the hub of creating leaders who positively shift the global paradigm," said Prof. Dwomoh in his address.
The Vice-Chancellor's family at the event
Highlighting the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, Prof. Dwomoh presented eight identified priority areas, including improving the University's financial situation; developing more competency-based programmes; enhancing the University's image through research and branding as well as strengthening governance and administration.
One of the strategic initiatives mentioned by the Vice-Chancellor is to address the infrastructural deficit by investing in digital infrastructure and providing ICT training for academic staff to facilitate fifty percent of teaching through online modes. Prof. Dwomoh emphasised the need to align the academic physical infrastructure to the growing number of students.
The Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Dr. Med. Ben Baffoe-Bonnie, administers the Oath of Office as part of the investiture procedures
The investiture ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Med. Ben Baffoe-Bonnie, the Chairman of the Governing Council of KsTU. He administered the Oath of Office, urging Prof. Dwomoh to champion the University's interest.
“Use your position as a bridge between Management and staff so that everybody will be involved in the pursuit of the greatness of the school. Your decision should always be in the interest of the University and the Council will not interfere but ensure harmony,” he said.
Dignitaries present included the representative of the Minister of Education, Ing. Peter Antwi Bosiako; the Director-General of GES, Dr. Eric Nkansah; Vice-Chancellors from sister technical universities; traditional rulers; service commanders and representatives from various associations. Also present at the programme was the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Samuel Pyne.
Ing. Peter Bosiako emphasised the national and local significance of the occasion and the fact that the Government was determined to improve on our educational system through the development of relevant skills at all levels of education especially, at the tertiary level where the numbers of needed manpower to run the economy are churned out.
As Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh assumes his role as the Vice-Chancellor, the diverse expectations signal a shared commitment to academic excellence, growth and development of Kumasi Technical University under his leadership.