In a colourful ceremony held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Christian Agyare was officially inducted as the university’s 13th Vice-Chancellor.
The investiture was chaired by the Chancellor of KNUST and King of Asanteman, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who charged the new academic leader to build upon the solid foundations established by his predecessors.
Legacy of Excellence;
Addressing an audience of government officials, traditional leaders, academics, and students, Otumfuo emphasized the importance of continuity.
He urged Prof. Agyare to maintain and expand programs aimed at cementing KNUST’s reputation as a premier institution driven by transformative research and innovation.
“The future of KNUST lies in continuing programs and projects that deliver real development for Ghana,” the Asantehene stated, encouraging management to strictly adhere to the university council’s strategic plan while aggressively exploring strategic partnerships to support students, staff, and broader stakeholders.
Outgoing VC:
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, the first woman to hold the position, offered her prayers and support for her successor.
Reflecting on her six-year tenure, which was marked by significant strides in digital transformation, infrastructure development, and internationalization, Prof. Dickson urged Prof. Agyare to prioritize consultation and collaboration.
She reaffirmed her dedication to the university, promising to offer assistance whenever called upon.
Chief of Staff;
Representing the President of the Republic, Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah commended Prof. Agyare for his extensive preparation for the high office.
He encouraged the new Vice-Chancellor to remain an attentive leader who fosters strong collaborative networks across the university community.
New KNUST VC:
In his maiden address, Prof. Christian Agyare outlined an ambitious roadmap for his four-year tenure, declaring a shift in KNUST’s focus from producing job-seekers to raising entrepreneurial job-creators.
“A university that teaches without innovating and researches without creating has only done half its work,” Prof. Agyare asserted.
He added, “The vision for KNUST is one where knowledge does not reside solely in lecture halls, studios, and laboratories, but walks out of our gates to change the world and transform lives.”
To achieve this, the Vice-Chancellor introduced seven strategic priorities anchored on adaptive governance, artificial intelligence integration, digital transformation, and industry collaboration.
Drawing parallels to economic transformations in South Korea, China, and Singapore, Prof. Agyare underscored that 21st-century national wealth will be driven by intellectual capital rather than natural resources alone.
He pledged to introduce dual-degree pathways, leverage “Professors of Practice,” expand start-up incubators to commercialize university research, and strengthen financial stewardship to reduce reliance on government subventions.
Closing his address with a call to action, Prof. Agyare declared:
“Together, we will move from excellence to eminence, from promise to impact, and from aspiration to transformation. Together, we shall shape the future with our legacies.”
Profile Of Prof. Christian Agyare:
Field of Expertise:
Renowned pharmaceutical scientist, researcher, and educator.
Academic Background:
Brings decades of administrative, research, and higher education leadership to the role.
Prior Service:
Held multiple senior management and executive positions within KNUST prior to his appointment as the 13th Vice-Chancellor.
Succession:
Succeeds Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson following the conclusion of her distinguished six-year tenure.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi
