The Acting Registrar of the Presbyterian University in Ghana, Dr. Emmanuel Agyenim-Boateng is calling on university administrators to sharpen their skills to effectively help expand the frontiers of education in the 21st Century.
He says the impact of the 21st Century on the activities of the university administrator requires that the administrator develops relevant skills so they can be masters, in managing the affairs of the university in the face of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Dr. Agyenim-Boateng was speaking at the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) Dialogue held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), a programme which adds up to the activities scheduled for the UCC at 60-anniversary celebration.
While delivering the keynote address, he indicated that the 4C soft skills, technological, entrepreneurial, and 21st Century skills are among the relevant skills university administrators need to develop as they discharge their duties in the university.
“First the administrator must develop what we call the four Cs of soft skills and these are critical thinking, creativity, communications, collaboration, or collaborative skills. Second, emotional intelligence, then technical skills. Four, entrepreneurial skills.” He explained.
To him, the 21st-century conditions are creating and will continue to create more demand for the services of the University.
He, therefore, said the university will need persons with entrepreneurial skills to better manage the changing job environment.
“Then we need to develop resilient skills. Then, finally, we are talking of development of what I term generally 21st-century skills.” He added.
Dr. Agyenim-Boateng further urged adept administrators to prioritize the talent identification skill so they can be well-equipped as they assist in the employing of new staff and the retooling of existing staff.
“The 4th industrial revolution has led to the disruption of job processes and making some talents and skills absolute. The university administrators…should develop skills that will enable them to anticipate the future needs of the university and to determine the appropriate skills required for new entrance as well as to retool the existing employees” he said.
The theme for the Dialogue was, “UCC at 60 -Expanding the Frontiers of Higher Education: The Contribution of the Administrative and Professional Cadre.”
Stressing the relevance of the theme, the Registrar of UCC, Mr. Jeff Teye Onyame indicated that there is a need for the contributions of both the administrative and professional cadre to the achievements of UCC to be given full recognition.
To him ‘not only has the story of the contribution of the administrative and professional cadre to the university’s achievement over the years got to be told, but the expectations in terms of our contribution going forward also have to be laid forth.’
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Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
