The Ghana Association of University Administrators at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (GAUA-KNUST), has launched its maiden week-long celebration, themed “Driving Excellence in University Administration: Innovation for Impact.” 

The event seeks to foster innovative approaches in university administration.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor, urged university administrators to embrace innovation as a fundamental driver of relevance and impact in higher education. Describing universities as evolving ecosystems, he called for a shift from “passive administration to active management.”

“Impact in university administration goes beyond logistics. It demands proactive engagement, responsiveness, and the anticipation of challenges. Innovation must be our default posture,” he said. 

Prof. Owusu-Dabo added: "Excellence is not only in policies and processes; it is in how we relate with people. Innovation is not about replacing people; it is about empowering them and planting seeds of transformation for generations to come.”

He again highlighted the importance of digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive practices in meeting the changing expectations of students and stakeholders.

Vice-Chancellor Professor. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson commended GAUA-KNUST members for their indispensable role in advancing the university’s mission and vision.

“Administrators are the heart of what we do,” she said. “You are the ones who make it happen. We hope you never feel less appreciated, because we place immense value on the work you do. Ayekoo!”

She expressed Management’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices and commitment of GAUA members, noting: “KNUST would not be able to function or fulfill its mandate without your tireless efforts.”

Reflecting on the theme, Prof. Dickson stressed the need to embrace innovation and creativity to stay relevant in the evolving higher education landscape.

“The work we do as professionals is constantly changing. With the emergence of AI, machine learning, and other advanced technologies, we must equip ourselves and harness these tools responsibly,” she said.

She urged members to use the celebration as a time for reflection and contribution of innovative ideas to help advance the university.

“Hold your corner very well. You are the fuel, the heart, and the engine that this university runs on. KNUST salutes your hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence,” she added.

GAUA-KNUST President Festus said the event marks the start of an annual celebration that will highlight the critical role of administrators and professionals in the university’s development.

“We are not just memo writers and proposal drafters,” he said. “We are the group responsible for implementing the strategic decisions of University Management and Council.”

As part of the week’s activities, members visited Weweso Basic School to mentor Junior High School pupils on senior high school admissions, career pathways, and academic progression. Mr. Nyame announced that the association plans to adopt the school for long-term development support.

A panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Eunice Adu Boahen featured insights from four administrators driving technological innovation across university services.

Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Adjei, Head of KNUST Counselling Centre, announced that student records are being digitized and hinted at the upcoming launch of an e-counselling app.

“As administrators, we need to stay abreast of technology and continuously improve,” she said.

Dr. Joseph Abu-Sakyi, Acting Deputy Director of the University Health Services, highlighted a new family practice model that allows staff to select personal doctors and book appointments.

“Each staff member can choose two doctors for personalized care,” he said.

He also mentioned the Student Online Medical Administration System, which enables students to schedule medical examinations and doctor visits at their convenience.

Foster Sedem Kwame Dedume, a representative from the University Information Technology Services (UITS), discussed the development of an integrated system that provides audit trails across university operations.

“This system enhances transparency and accountability by recording every interaction,” he noted.

Deputy Finance Officer, Dr. Felix Obeng Boateng, spoke on the university’s accounting information systems, acknowledging current progress but stressing the need for real-time financial tracking.

“We must move beyond static reports. I envision a system with in-built data visualization and predictive analytics,” he said.

The association will also host a capacity-building workshop on Thursday, focusing on grantsmanship and peer-reviewed publishing, a key competency for professionals in 21st-century academia.

The week’s celebration will conclude on Friday with fun activities designed to promote community and wellness among members of the association.