But For Otumfuo KNUST Wouldn’t Be Where It Is Today- Juabenhene
Juabenhene Nana Otuo Sereboe II has stated that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, at the helm of affairs at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has catalysed the university’s advancement in quality education and infrastructure.
According to the former Chairman of the Governing Council of the KNUST, His Majesty’s superintendency as the Chancellor has not been limited to the ceremonial aspect, that is, presiding over convocations, conferring degrees and giving permanence to actions.
He noted that Otumfuo, in the past 18 years, ‘has descended to do the equally efficient aspect of the job as Chancellor’.
Speaking at the opening of a four-day event to celebrate and honour Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II by the KNUST, Nana Juabenhene outlined activities His Majesty has undertaken in favour of the University.
“I happen to be a permanent passenger on Otumfuo’s trips and on two occasions when he had to visit overseas universities, Prof Adarkwa who was then Chancellor was part of our delegation. Otumfuo took him to the University of West London where he facilitated a discussion between home and the VC of that university for signing of an memorandum of understanding (MoU).
“In 2008, when Otumfuo was invited by the University of West Indies with a campus in Barbados, Adarkwa was again a member of our delegation. It shows that the office of the Chancellor has not been just ceremonial but his account of tenure goes to confirm that without him as Chancellor, KNUST would not have been where it is today.”
He asserted therefore that it was a step in the right direction that the university thought of setting aside a week to honour him as part of his 25th Anniversary on the Golden Stool.
“Otumfuo has been on the stool for 25 years and 18 years of that has been in service to KNUST. This is 72% of his tenure devoted to you. It is therefore proper that KNUST should set a week aside to honour our great King and Chancellor.”
Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson credited His Majesty for peace and tranquillity prevailing on the campus, numerous infrastructure projects dotted all over the campus, chalked successes on the global stage, the enhanced reputation of KNUST brand both globally and locally and many others.
Despite respecting the duty bounds, she stated that the King, leverages on his influence to the benefit of the school.
“I know many people will think of how Otumfuo do all these while he resides at Manhyia. I am able to confirm to all of us that he has not at any point in time interfered with the day-to-day management of this University but his influence has been phenomenal. He has provided deep leadership as the Chancellor endowed with grace, elegance, style and wisdom. We rode on his networks both locally and internationally to secure the much-needed resources for the smooth running of this great university.”
For his part, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the KNUST, Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah outlined some fruitful interventions Otumfuo has made to governments for and on behalf of KNUST including the handing over of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Northern Mines to form the nucleus of the KNUST Obuasi Campus and the reconstruction of the abandoned KNUST Teaching Hospital Project.
“But for Otumfuo, these projects would have remained a mirage. Nana we are deeply grateful.”
It is no secret that Otumfuo has the University in mind whenever he embarks on international trips. The University always features in his discussions with the international community on such trips.
This was witnessed during his trip to the United States of America (USA) in 2022 for the Memphis In May Celebration where he sought a collaboration between the KNUST and the University of Memphis.
In 2023, when he travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, he called for a collaboration between his university and the University of West Indies.
Again in 2023, during a visit to St Andrews University for the St Andrews Africa Summit (SAASUM) in Scotland, a collaboration was sought.
About Chancellor’s Week
A four-day event to celebrate the Asantehene by the KNUST commenced today, May 7, 2024, as part of his Silver Jubilee on the Golden Stool.
Dubbed ‘The Chancellor’s Week’, and themed ‘The Asantehene and Chancellor of KNUST: 25 years of Exemplary Leadership’, the opening of the celebration featured the launch of a book containing all speeches delivered by the Chancellor since his induction in 2006 and the unveiling of a Photo Exhibition at the Opoku Ware II Museum.
The event held at the Great Hall of KNUST was attended by the Asantehene, the Chairman of the Silver Jubilee Planning Committee, Nana Otuo Sereboe II, traditional authorities in Asanteman, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, the Chairman of the University Governing Council, Justice Anin Yeboah, and other university management members.
