The Governing Council of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has announced the opening of application for the appointment of a professor for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the university which shall become vacant on August 1, 2020.
The current Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso who has been a frontrunner of several developmental changes is due to complete his four-year tenure of service to the premier science and technology university in West Africa.
He may be subjected to renewal for Two (2) Years after evaluation of his performance.
Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in 2016.
His appointment was decided at the University Council’s 238th Special Meeting held on Thursday, May 19, 2016. It is a four-year tenure that took effect from August 1, 2016, and will end on June 31, 2020.
Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso replaced Professor William Otoo Ellis, who was appointed in May 2010. Prof. Ellis was re-appointed the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST after the University Council endorsed his performance at the end of his first term of four years, for the second term of two years which ended in July 2016.
Christian Kwasi Obiri-Danso is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology/Environmental Health. He is well known as a scholar of international repute.
He started his education at St. Anthony Preparatory School in Accra. He spent a year at the Salem School in Aburi before proceeding to the Swedru Secondary School for his Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificates.
He obtained a Bachelors Degree in Biological Science, and an M. Phil in Food Microbiology from the KNUST, before proceeding to Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, to earn a Certificate in Modeling Duration Data and a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology.
Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso began his academic career in 1987 and has since risen from the lowest position of Teaching Assistant to the most revered apex rank of Professor after 27 years. Below is his academic career history:
He was a Research Assistant at the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Lancaster University (1996-1999)
All through these years, Professor Obiri-Danso has held various academic positions both within and outside the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Some of the positions include Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, and Dean at the International Programmes Office. He last served as the Provost of the KNIST College of Science, before becoming the University’s Vice-Chancellor.
At the time of his appointment as VC, he was Chairman, Kumasi Polytechnic Council; Chairman, National Nuclear Research Institute; Member, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and Member, Implementation Committee for the University of Environment and Sustainable Development.
Professor Obiri-Danso has over a hundred publications and conference papers to his credit.
THE UNIVERSITY
Established in 1951, KNUST is the foremost and leading Science and Technology institution in Ghana and one of the most esteemed and finest in Africa.
The University provides a conducive environment for teaching and research in science and technology for the industrial and socio-economic development of Ghana, Africa, and other nations. Apart from excelling in teaching and research, KNUST provides entrepreneurship training within a vibrant academic setting for its students.
The University has a student population of 64,187; and, a staff strength of 4,178. The University operates the collegiate system and has 7 Colleges (including an Institute of Distance Learning). The University has 6 traditional halls of residence and over 10 private hostels on campus.
THE POSITION
The Vice-Chancellor is the Executive Head of the University and is responsible, to the Governing Council of the University, for both the Academic and Administrative functions of the University.
He is charged with the promotion of quality higher education and the provision of academic and administrative leadership. He is also responsible for initiating new directions in the academic development of the University and for implementing the University’s Strategic Plan.
The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Disciplinary Officer of the University and exercises general disciplinary functions over both members of staff and students, subject to the Statutes and Regulations of the University.
THE PERSON
- Must be of professorial rank or equivalent;
- Must be an internationally acclaimed and distinguished scholar with a capacity to motivate and direct Staff;
- Must be visionary and be able to present a compelling academic vision that would persuade the Government, industry and other stakeholders to support the cause of the University;
- Must possess the capacity to manage and control crisis situations;
- Must exhibit leadership qualities and organizational skills;
- Must be circumspect and above reproach;
- Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Must be sober with maturity and drive for sound and impartial judgment; and
- Must have the capacity and the network to raise funds and other resources for research and other development activities;
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
- The Appointment, which is full-time, shall be for FOUR (4) YEARS in the first instance and may be subject to renewal for Two (2) Years (after evaluation of performance) before attaining the statutory compulsory retiring age of SIXTY (60) for public officeholders.
- Salary and Conditions of Service attached to the position are very attractive.
APPLICATION
Interested Candidates are requested to submit an Application Letter together with Eight (8) copies of the following:
- Curriculum Vitae, including Names and Addresses of Three (3) Referees; and,
- A 1200 word Statement of Candidate’s Vision for the University.
Applications should be forwarded under REGISTERED COVER marked “Application for Vice-Chancellor, KNUST” to reach the following addresses, not later than Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
The Chairman
Search Committee for Vice-Chancellor
C/o The Registrar
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Private Mail Bag
University Post Office
Kumasi – Ghana
OR
The Chairman
Search Committee for Vice-Chancellor
C/o The Office Manager
Universities of Ghana Overseas Office
Ghana Universities House
321 City Road
London ECIV ILJ
United Kingdom
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Story by: John Essien/focusfmonline.com
