Immediate-past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, has been inducted as the third president of the Presbyterian University College, Ghana (PUCG).
Rt. Rev. Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, Chancellor of the university and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, conducted the investiture which was attended by government officials, religious and traditional leaders, academia and other well-wishers, sharing in the moment.
In an address, Prof. Owusu promised to bring to bear his expertise to turn round the fortunes of the University, expressing his determination to ensure the university environment became conducive for teaching, learning, research and service delivery to meet industry needs and spur national development.
Prof. Oduro described his tenure as a call to inspire and bring hope to students, staff and all stakeholders, and added that his aim was to “inculcate in both students and staff, the sense of institutional leadership where dedication to work, respect for one another, respect for processes and procedures, time management and environmental cleanliness are upheld and jealously guarded as important core values of the university.”
“Together, we can chart a new path to greater heights in the annals of the University by upholding the values of truth, honesty, integrity, humility, sobriety, discipline, hard work, and faith in God,” he said.
The president expressed his commitment to fairness, firmness and dedication to the promotion of high academic and moral standards through judicious application of the statutes and other regulations and policies guiding the PUCG.
“As I take over the mantle of leadership of this university, I do so with humility and the firmest conviction to provide strategic leadership to ensure that the Presbyterian University remains financially stable and makes a mark on world universities rankings in all possible ranking categories”.
The Moderator of the PCG, Rev. Prof. Mante, implored the newly inducted president to use his tenure to improve the collegiate system, where both the church, traditional leaders and other stakeholders were brought on board to foster development and progress of the university.
He challenged Prof. Oduro to be selfless in his dealings by relying on his rich experience in academia to advance the academic and financial strength of the PUCG.
“Eschew all forms of complacency and help build a strong legacy for the university,” he charged.
The Chairperson of PUCG Council, His Lordship Justice Professor Emmanuel Nii Ashie Kotey, who pledged the support of the Council to the president admonished him to have an open heart to embrace all opinions and make God the centre of his period in office.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH