Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof Ernest Aryeetey, expressed his aspiration to witness a Nobel Prize laureate emerge from the University believing it would bestow immeasurable benefits upon the institution and elevate its prestige.

During an engaging event involving former leaders of the University, Prof Aryeetey shared his perspective on the university's historical trajectory, emphasizing the need to evaluate the fulfillment of its core mandate and chart a course of excellence in research and impact.

The event, titled "Back to the Future: Conversations with UG Captains on Wear UG Day," was organized by the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee as part of the UG@75 Interactive Session held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

Prof Aryeetey highlighted the potential for a future Nobel Prize winner to originate from the University of Ghana.

He stressed the importance of deliberate efforts to nurture promising talents during their early academic years on campus, underscoring the impact it could have on achieving such a significant milestone.

"In many universities, most of the work that will bring fame to the university is done by one or two people leaving it at a place like Yale or Harvard or Stanford. These are the people that will win the Nobel Prize and everybody can see from the way they bring in the grants and the way they have their graduate students around them, you can see a Nobel Prize coming in 10 or 20 years," he explained.

Prof Aryeetey expressed his desire to see young scholars at institutions like WACCI, WACBIP, Noguchi, or ISSER aspire to Nobel Prize-worthy research and contributions on the global stage.

“We are not there yet, but I would like to see a future in this university where a young man or young woman at WACCI, or at WACBIP, or at Noguchi or ISSER can think and dream about a Nobel Prize," Prof Aryeetey stated.

He emphasized the significance of achieving such a feat, envisioning the positive impact it could have on the university in terms of fame and resources.

He urged the university community to nurture a culture of competitiveness and strive for international recognition, moving beyond being local champions.

The event aligned with the University of Ghana's 75th Anniversary celebration, focusing on reflecting upon the university's 75-year journey and strategizing for a more prosperous future. Prof Ernest Aryeetey, who served as the university's Vice-Chancellor from 2010 to 2016, was an instrumental part of the event. Other esteemed panel members included Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah, Former Vice-Chancellor (1996 - 2002), Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Former Registrar (2013 - 2021), and Mrs. Carlotta Bannerman Amande, Former Student Leader (2003 - 2004).