Published: 25 Apr 2017 Source: University Relations Office (URO)
Dr. Paul Effah, President of the Radford University College, has called for the professionalization and intellectualization of administrative work in Ghana. Dr. Effah challenged 21st century administrators to exhibit a high sense of intellectual and professional competence in the discharge of their duties through continuous acquisition of several skills to change the world.
The Radford University President, made this call at the maiden Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Workshop Series organised by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) for its members at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The maiden workshop was targeted at members of the association in the institutions of the northern sector namely KNUST, University of Mines and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Univesrity of Education Winneba, Kumasi and Mampong campuses and the University for Development Studies.
Dr. Effah in his presentation on “Modern Trends in University Administration and Management” continued that the university had evolved over the years to its current state and would take a different turn by 2025 as envisioned by higher education experts. The changes in structure, leadership and vision coupled with serious competition must be a wakeup call to administrators to position themselves to meet both local and global demands.
He cautioned administrators to move from artisan administration to take initiatives in managing institutions, otherwise they would not fit in the university system. He ended by challenging administrators to be creative and to aspire to change management practices by turning challenges into opportunities in order to remain relevant in higher education management.
Dr. Agyenim Boateng, in his presentation on “Best Practices in Human Resource: Prospects and Challenges” advised administrators to carve a niche for themselves as administrators and to consider university administration as a serious enterprise. In this light he challenged the composition of most appointment boards and committees in the universities which are predominantly made up of academics.
He noted that human resource was the hub around which the entire university revolved, and that was why administrators are positioned in the departments to ensure effective human resource planning, strategy and execution. He therefore tasked administrators to help implement effective human resource practices in their departments.
Mr. Matthew Asare, National President of GAUA, noted that the CPD series was in fulfillment of the NEC’s decision to train and reorient administrative staff for professional excellence. Mr. Asare informed participants at the workshop that members in the southern sector would also benefit from a similar event soon.
The CPD is part of activities instituted to honour the memory of the late founding member and former national president of GAUA from 1993 to 1997, Mr. Kobby Yebo-Okrah. Until his demise Mr. Yebo-Okrah was the registrar of KNUST.