The Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Sir Sam Jonah, has urged universities to shift “from rote learning to critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving” while embedding technology and AI literacy across disciplines, “not as threats, but as tools”.
He consequently called on higher learning institutions to develop academic curricula in a manner that integrated the skills and talents of students with the relevant tools and resources, and harmonised all into an efficient product.
Addressing the Class of 2025 Congregation of the UCC last Friday, Dr Jonah said these measures had become essential in the wake of uncertainties around the global work environment.
“Climate change is reshaping economies. Geopolitical tensions are redefining global cooperation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming work, creativity and decision-making. The future of work is fluid, non-linear and increasingly skills-driven,” he said.
He further stated that the circumstances meant that careers would be disrupted, adaptability had become essential, while young people — both in Ghana and elsewhere — were now more informed, more questioning, and more assertive than ever before.
Dr Jonah said the world’s leading universities had started acting in response to the realities of the time by “rethinking curricula, breaking down rigid disciplinary silos so that engineers understand ethics, lawyers understand technology, and doctors understand leadership”.
“They are strengthening partnerships with industry, government and communities so that learning is grounded in real-world challenges. They are redefining success. Not just by employment statistics, but by impact. Not just by grades, but by values. Not just by credentials, but by character,” he stressed.
Translating research
Dr Jonah, a renowned business executive, said universities, particularly in Africa, must go further by translating research into products, policies, enterprises and innovations that would improve lives.
“Knowledge that remains locked in journals does not build nations.
Research must increasingly translate into solutions.
This does not diminish scholarship; it gives it purpose.
“A great university is not only a place of ideas.
It is a place where ideas are applied,” he added.
Rethinking role
Dr Jonah said universities across the world were currently being forced to rethink their role.
“The world has changed, fundamentally, and universities that do not respond will slowly become irrelevant,” he said.
Reflecting on a controversy that put the leadership of UCC to the test recently, he said: “The past two years have been deeply challenging for this university.
For the first time in its history, a leadership transition became contested in a manner that unsettled the campus.
“Legal processes took centre stage, tensions rose, and the calm environment required for teaching, learning and research was disrupted.
The atmosphere became difficult, at times, even toxic. Factionalism emerged.
Trust was strained, and focus was lost.”
Describing the period as a defining moment for the university, he urged quick measures to restore the profile of the institution.
“We must restore trust, reclaim focus, and re-commit ourselves to excellence, relevance and service.
The University of Cape Coast has the intellectual capital; it has the reputation and it has the responsibility to lead,” he stressed.
He reflected on UCC’s achievements, noting that the institution had been ranked by the Times Higher Education Survey as the number one university in Ghana and West Africa for five consecutive years, and credited this accomplishment to decades of strong leadership, dedicated faculty, and a culture that placed the institution’s interests above individual ambition.
Advice to graduates
To the graduating class, he urged resilience and lifelong learning.
“Your values will be tested before your skills are rewarded,” he cautioned.
“Stand firm. Never stop learning. And never forget that education is not just about making a living; it is about making a difference,” he emphasised.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh