The School of Graduate Studies at the University of Cape Coast in collaboration with the Graduate Students of Ghana (GRASAG UCC) has held the International Conference of Postgraduate Studies.
The Conference which began on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025 is on the theme “Transforming Communities: Postgraduate Education and Research for Resilience and Development in Africa.”
Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Johnson Nyarko Boampong, who is chairman for the conference, stated that the gathering was not just an academic gathering but a convergence of intellect, passion and purpose.
“This conference is more than an academic gathering. It is a convergence of intellect, passion, and purpose. It is a space where ideas are exchanged, innovative solutions are exploited, and networks are built. Networks that transcend institutional and national boundaries to foster collaboration that will define the next frontiers of research on the continent.”
Delivering the keynote address, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo reaffirmed the transformative power of education.
He added that the impact of education, especially postgraduate education, must yield social change and bring solutions to the challenges confronting the world.
“In the face of such challenges, one thing remains clear, the transformative power of education, especially postgraduate education, plays a central role in achieving resilience and development. Postgraduate education and research do not merely prepare individuals for professional careers, they equip them to become the innovators, thinkers, leaders who will drive the future change and development of their communities and this continent,” he stated
He posited that with quality postgraduate education Africa can significantly contribute to the global knowledge economy, noting that it would help retain talents in Africa and build networks to implement change on the continent.
“Africa can leverage its rich natural and human resources for sustainable development and impact our communities. Ladies and gentlemen, with postgraduate education and research.”
“Africans can contribute to the global knowledge economy, graduates with advanced degrees can compete globally, and take leadership roles in multinational organizations across the globe.” This helps Africa to retain her talents, build stronger international collaborations and increase the continent’s voice in global decision-making fora.”
Professor Owusu-Dabo, whose expertise and research is in epidemiology and public health, proffered solutions to the challenges in postgraduate education, revealing “One of the major challenges that also appears as a gap – that many postgraduate programmes face today – is a lack of interdisciplinary opportunities. We need collaborative interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to research.”
“Furthermore, there’s a need to offer support for health and well-being of our postgraduate students. Our universities must prioritize mental health support and create enabling environments where students feel empowered to seek help and be able to focus on their research and postgraduate training,” he said.
He reiterated that the role of partnerships and collaboration cannot be overemphasized in postgraduate research and training, expressing that Africa’s universities and research institutions, governments, and the private sector must collaborate so that their research findings are translated into real-life solutions.
“Furthermore, community involvement in research is essential because graduate students and researchers must engage with the communities they aim to serve, ensuring that their work is not only relevant, but also actionable.”
The 5th International Conference of Postgraduate Studies featured various seminars, panel and roundtable discussions, workshops, research presentations and networking sessions.
It was attended by postgraduate students across the country and the continent, faculty from various universities and technocrats from various field of industry.
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
