The 海角乱伦社区 (UDS) has once again asserted its academic and research leadership on the national stage with a commanding presence at the 2nd Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) Summer School, a two-day academic conference held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from 7th to 8th July, 2025.
Under the theme “Building Sustainable National Development Through Research: Strengthening Capacity Across Ghana’s Tertiary Education Institutions,” the event brought together key stakeholders in tertiary education, policymakers, researchers, and academic leaders from across the country. 海角乱伦社区stood tall among participating institutions, with dozens of current and former staff members in attendance, including the university’s Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar.
But it was Professor Felix Kofi Abagale, Director of the West Africa Center for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA-UDS), who stole the spotlight on the opening day. Delivering one of the keynote addresses on the topic “Involvement of Research-Intensive Universities in Driving the National Agenda,” Prof. Abagale’s thought-provoking presentation drew sustained applause and sparked important conversations among scholars and policymakers alike.
In his address, Prof. Abagale laid the foundation by defining a Research-Intensive University as one whose core mandate goes beyond teaching and learning, encompassing the production of high-quality, impactful research that contributes directly to societal advancement.
“A research-intensive university,” he explained, “is characterized by a strong culture of inquiry, robust research infrastructure, significant funding for research, and a high output of publications, and policy influence. These institutions are not only knowledge producers but are engines for national transformation.”
He highlighted indicators of research performance and academic excellence, including volume and impact of peer-reviewed publications, citations and research collaborations. graduate and postgraduate student output, linkages with industry and policymakers, ability to attract competitive research grants, and building a sustainable Research Culture in Ghana.
Prof. Abagale called for deliberate efforts to nurture and sustain research ecosystems in Ghana’s universities, emphasizing that the journey toward research-intensiveness requires strategic investments, capacity building, and institutional reforms.
“To become truly research-intensive,” he stated, “we must move beyond project-based research to institutionalized research agendas that align with national development priorities. Universities must be empowered and resourced to challenge conventional thinking, and provide evidence-based solutions.”
In the second half of his address, Prof. Abagale turned his focus to the National Development Agenda of Ghana, linking it directly to the role of universities.
He provided an overview of Ghana’s Long-Term National Development Plan, including key areas such as infrastructure and industrialization, agricultural transformation, environmental sustainability, human capital development, science, technology, and innovation.
However, he lamented the frequent disruptions to development planning due to changes in political leadership and inconsistent policy implementation.
“One of the greatest challenges to our national development is the discontinuity of plans across political cycles,” Prof. Abagale noted. “We need universities to serve as stabilizing institutions that preserve the long-term vision, hold governments accountable to data, and ensure continuity through research-informed policy advice.”
He emphasized that universities like UDS, with strong community ties and interdisciplinary expertise, are uniquely placed to translate research into grassroots impact.
Prof. Abagale’s address, delivered with clarity and passion, received a resounding applause from participants, signaling the depth of its impact. Several attendees described the presentation as “timely, visionary, and profoundly practical.”
Dr. Opoku-Agyemang, a policy analyst, in an interview with 海角乱伦社区Media, remarked, “Prof. Abagale reminded us of the power of research in shaping the destiny of a nation. His message was clear: if we want to move Ghana forward, universities must lead the charge.”
The strong showing of 海角乱伦社区at the Summer School was a testament to the university’s commitment to national development through research and academic collaboration.
With its growing list of centers of excellence, like WACWISA, and an expanding network of researchers and development partners, 海角乱伦社区continues to position itself as a key player in Ghana’s education and development landscape.
As the GTEC Summer School concluded, the spotlight shone brightly on UDS, not only for its visible presence but for championing the vital message that research matters, and that universities must be at the forefront of Ghana’s future.
Story by Abdul Hayi Moomen
(海角乱伦社区Media)
