The Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Coast (UCC), Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, has launched two documents – the University of Cape Coast at 60 Innovation Report and the 2023 to 2027 University of Cape Coast Research Agenda.
The UCC at 60 Innovation Report chronologically chronicles discoveries by Faculty in the past sixty years of the University’s existence with the UCC 2023-2027 Research Agenda, the third by the University, capturing the University’s research outline for the next five years.
Ahead of launching the documents, the Vice-Chancellor in his welcome address noted that the University since its establishment in 1962 had produced internationally competitive research and scholarly outputs and innovations which have addressed complex existing and emerging challenges.
By this feat, he noted, excellence in higher education nationally, regionally and globally had become a defining attribute of the University. In demonstration of its excellence and leadership in higher education across the globe, Prof. Nyarko Boampong indicated that the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022 placed UCC as the number one (1) university in Ghana and West Africa, fourth (4th) in Africa, among the top three hundred and fifty (350) universities globally and number one (1) globally for research influence. He added that in 2022, THE World University Rankings pegged UCC as the only university in Ghana captured in the top one thousand (1000) universities worldwide.
Dignitaries at the launching of the UCC at 60 Innovation Report and 2023-2027 Research Agenda, and Special Awards
The Vice Chancellor further noted the integral roles research and innovation play in addressing the complexities and developmental challenges distressing society. He made special mention of food security and safety, climate change, safe environment, sanitation as well as equity and security and how research and innovation, the fulcrum of socio-economic growth and development, could be employed to address them.
Launching the documents, Prof Nyarko Boampong charged faculty and supporting staff of the University to take advantage of the two documents especially at a time when research at UCC has been increasingly acknowledged worldwide. He also mentioned that the University rankings had become increasingly competitive and the challenge now was for UCC to maintain the enviable record.
On his part, the Chairman of the UCC Governing Council, Prof. Obeng Mireku, who chaired the Launching of UCC at 60 Innovation Report, 2023-2027 Research Agenda and Special Award Ceremony, said African universities and researchers are best placed to lead in the identification of their own developmental needs and produce social and technological innovations through the conduct of relevant research.
Prof. Obeng Mireku, Chairman of UCC Governing Council
To him, the launch of the UCC at 60 Innovation report was a demonstration of the University’s contribution to social and technological innovations over the past 60 years. He also noted that the 2023-2027 Research Agenda was an important policy and practice document which would guide research activities of faculty and students for the next five years.
“The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) is convinced that research should not be the final objective of intellectual processes but rather a component of the never-ending cycle of innovation to meet societal requirements” he added.
The event which was on the theme, “Academia-Industry Innovation Matchmaking; Practical Steps for 21st Century Universities” was graced by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rosemond Boohene; Registrar, Mr. Jeff Teye E. Onyame, past Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors, Provost, Directors, Deans and invited guests from sister tertiary institutions. Also present was the General Manager of the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF), Ms Hamdiya Ismaila, who was the guest speaker.
At the ceremony, a renowned Ghanaian Physician and Scientist, Prof Felix I. D. Konotey-Ahulu and some other ninety-three (93) accomplished academics were awarded for their contribution to research at the University of Cape Coast.
About DRIC
The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) was established in August 2013 following the promulgation of a research agenda for the University of Cape Coast for the period 2012 – 2017. The DRIC is a registered member of Ghana Association of Consultants (GAC. 0182).
DRIC envisions being a Research, Innovation and Consultancy Directorate that is strongly positioned, with a world-wide acclaim.
Its mission is to oversee Consultancy Services engaged in by individuals and groups in the University; implement the University’s research agenda; and create conducive environment to nurture creativity and innovation.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC