The immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Ellis Owusu Dabo, has challenged universities in the country to explore ways of facilitating interdisciplinary work among postgraduate students.

That, according to him, would address one of the major gaps that many postgraduate programmes face as regards the lack of interdisciplinary opportunities.

Prof. Dabo was speaking at the 5th International Conference of Postgraduate Studies organised by the School of Graduate Studies at UCC.

It was on the Theme: “Transforming Communities: Postgraduate Education and Research for Resilience and Development in Africa.”

He added that universities must prioritize mental health support and create an enabling environment where students feel empowered to seek help when needed.

In that regard, he called for fostering a supportive community of peers, accessible mentors, and willing faculty.

According to him, Africa’s universities, research institutions, governments, and the private sector must collaborate to translate research findings into real-world solutions.

“Partnerships between African institutions and global counterparts can also facilitate sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. This calls to mind the relevance and applicability of postgraduate education,” he added.

Prof. Dabo said postgraduate students and researchers must engage with the communities they aim to serve, ensuring that their work was not only relevant but also actionable. He added that postgraduate students should be encouraged to work with industry partners to ensure that their research is cutting-edge and has practical applications that can solve real-world problems. 

As technology, job markets, and societal needs evolve, Prof. Dabo indicated that it was essential to continuously update curricula to align with these changes.

Prof.  Ellis Owusu Dabo speaking at the event

“This ensures that students are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills.  A curriculum should prioritize the diverse needs of students, supporting their learning styles, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and practical problem-solving for community impact,” he continued.

He called on universities to focus on community-driven research, to foster a culture of resilience, where knowledge was used to both anticipate and respond to challenges.

He advised postgraduate students to approach their education with curiosity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose and originality.

“You are the leaders and innovators of tomorrow; and tomorrow starts today with you and the choices you make. The knowledge you gain here will not only shape your careers but will also contribute to the future of this country and the global community.” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, in his opening remarks, said Postgraduate research must go beyond theoretical knowledge and be solution-driven as well as contextually relevant to the needs of our communities.

VC of UCC, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong

 He therefore called on African researchers to take the lead in finding innovative solutions to African challenges.

“In Educational studies, researchers can provide strategies and policies to improve learning outcomes and facilitate lifelong learning. In Health Sciences, postgraduate research can help develop locally applicable interventions for managing diseases like malaria, sickle cell, and emerging pandemics. In Business and Economics, researchers can provide data-driven strategies for economic resilience and industrial growth. In STEM, technological and engineering innovations can address infrastructural deficits and enhance productivity. In Environmental Science, research on climate change adaptation can safeguard the future of agriculture and natural resources.,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor said the theme of the conference underscored the important role postgraduate education played in equipping scholars with the tools and competencies necessary to drive societal change.

Participants in the opening ceremony of the 5th International Conference of Postgraduate Studies

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, he added, climate challenges, economic uncertainties, and public health crises, resilience and sustainable development must be at the heart of research efforts across the continent.

He urged postgraduate students to let research drive the transformation we seek in our communities.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC