Asantehene Calls on KNUST Alumni to Drive University’s Quest for Global Eminence
In a passionate rally for institutional transformation, the Asantehene and Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged the university’s worldwide alumni network to mobilize their expertise, financial resources, and global influence to propel the premier institution onto the world stage.
Delivering the keynote address at the 14th Global Biennial Congress and Alumni Homecoming, the revered traditional ruler and university chancellor challenged alumni to look beyond personal accolades and focus on building a lasting legacy for posterity.
While acknowledging KNUST’s long-standing status as West Africa’s flagship hub for science, technology, healthcare, and industrial innovation, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized that historical prestige alone is insufficient in an ever-evolving global economy.
He noted that true global eminence transcends international ranking tables, encompassing the character of graduates, groundbreaking societal research, industry-transforming innovations, and robust global partnerships.
“Excellence is what we have achieved; global eminence is what we must now deliberate on,” he declared.
Modern Governance:
Highlighting the roadmap toward this ambitious goal, the Asantehene commended the university’s Plan 2K35, a forward-thinking strategic vision focused on academic rigor, digital transformation, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and internationalization.
He also underscored the pivotal role of modern governance, noting that the legislative foundation established under the KNUST Act, 2025 (Act 1157) provides a robust framework to drive accountability, foster cross-sector collaboration, and ensure institutional reforms yield measurable real-world outcomes.
Addressing the audience directly, the Chancellor stressed that meaningful contributions are not limited to the financial elite.
“You do not have to be wealthy to make a difference. You do not have to occupy a powerful position to be useful. What matters is the willingness to contribute”, Otumfuo noted.
He further extended an earnest appeal to corporate entities, international development partners, and philanthropists, framing the advancement of higher education in Africa as a shared societal responsibility.
Expanding Access:
Aligning with the Chancellor’s vision, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Christian Agyare, outlined the university’s immediate challenges and humanitarian efforts.
Prof. Agyare revealed that during the October admissions cycle, the university admitted approximately 2,500 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through dedicated equity initiatives designed to relieve the financial burden of higher education.
However, sustaining these students requires collective effort. Prof. Agyare urged alumni groups, corporate benefactors, and international donors to rally behind student welfare through:
Expanded Scholarship Schemes:
Direct financial aid for underprivileged scholars.
Structured Mentorship Initiatives: Connecting current students with industry veterans.
Infrastructure Completion:
Partnering with university management to fund and complete critical campus development projects.
Connection to Contribution:
Echoing the Chancellor’s call to action, the President of the KNUST Global Alumni Association, Dr. Herman Yobo Addae, urged members worldwide to shift from passive networking to active institutional development.
“We want to move from connection to real contributions,” Dr. Addae asserted, calling for an enduring culture of philanthropy and active engagement across all year groups and chapters.
By leveraging their professional networks, opening corporate doors for internships, funding research ventures, and mentoring young innovators, alumni were reminded that they hold the key to turning KNUST’s vision of global eminence into reality.
Article By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,
Kumasi
