In a captivating lecture at the 12th R. P. Baffour Memorial Lectures, Mr. Joe Anokye, the Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), highlighted the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as a beacon of academic excellence, ready to redefine the future. Delivering the first lecture of the three-part series, Mr. Anokye emphasized KNUST’s pivotal role in shaping the next generation to not only face challenges but to empower them to redefine the future.
Themed “KNUST After 70: A New Age for a Renewed Focus in an Era of Disruptive Technologies,” the lecture delved into KNUST’s remarkable growth in science and technology education, resilience, and adaptability in the digital space. Mr. Anokye paid tribute to the dynamic leadership of Dr. R. P. Baffour, underscoring the transformative period under Dr. Baffour’s watch.
Highlighting KNUST’s journey since its inception in 1952, Mr. Anokye praised the institution’s commitment to innovation, academic brilliance, and unwavering dedication. He emphasized the critical role KNUST plays in the age of disruptive technology, stating that while technology brings opportunities, it also presents formidable challenges.
Commending KNUST’s alumni, including luminaries like Kofi Annan, Dr. Thomas Mensah, and Professor Francis Allotey, Mr. Anokye emphasized their global impact and the multifaceted roles KNUST plays in societal transformation. He also acknowledged the contributions of faculty, management, and past vice-chancellors to the structural and academic development of KNUST.
Mr. Anokye traced the evolution of technology in Ghana, noting the shift from indigenous systems like the gong to modern technologies like telephones, fax machines, and computers. He lauded KNUST’s investment in technology infrastructure, including Learning Management Systems, wireless internet connectivity, and e-learning centers, positioning the institution as a hub of technological advancement.
In concluding the lecture, Mr. Anokye challenged KNUST to rekindle Dr. R. P. Baffour’s visionary leadership, asserting that the institution is well-equipped to shape the African continent. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing KNUST’s vital role in socioeconomic development and global problem-solving.
The 12th R. P. Baffour Memorial Lectures celebrate KNUST’s 70th year and honor the legacy of Dr. R. P. Baffour, whose visionary leadership has propelled the institution to new heights. The lectures provide a platform to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and envision a future where KNUST continues to contribute significantly to humanity’s challenges.
