In a focused effort to support the next generation of academic leaders, the KNUST College of Engineering hosted a comprehensive orientation seminar for its young lecturers on 23rd January 2026. The event, which drew approximately 30 faculty members from across all departments, provided crucial insights into career advancement, research excellence, and professional responsibilities.
Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, the College Registrar, set the tone by emphasising the College's commitment to its faculty's success. “Your professional progress is of paramount importance to us,” he stated. “The success of our lecturers is intrinsically linked to the success of the College and the University, and it is in our direct interest to provide unwavering support.”
Provost of the College, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, in his welcome address, outlined the seminar’s holistic agenda, designed to equip new faculty with the tools for a flourishing academic career. “This discussion is designed to guide your core academic work, which rests on three pillars: teaching, research, and service. We aim to clarify expectations in these key areas,” he said. Prof. Nyarko encouraged active participation and urged lecturers to envision research with tangible impact, leading to commercialisation and patents.
The seminar featured presentations from esteemed senior faculty covering critical career pathways.
Prof. Wilson Agyei Agyare, Director for West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adaptive Land Use (WASCAL), demystified the promotion process. His practical session advised lecturers to understand the university's administrative structure, systematically document teaching and service activities yearly, and seek mentorship. “Your success as a lecturer depends on the decisions you make today to publish and serve,” he concluded.
Prof. Lena Dzifa Mensah, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, explored the six pillars of effective teaching, including pedagogical knowledge and professional reflection. She highlighted the lecturer’s pivotal role, urging, “Despite constraints, we must still endeavour to train the future generations of our country.”
Prof. Kwaku Amaning Adjei, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Geoengineering, championed research excellence as a deliberate strategy. “At KNUST, teaching makes you busy; research makes you valuable and promotable,” he noted, advising young lecturers to start early, collaborate, and build a lasting research legacy.
Prof. S.I.K. Ampadu, Past Provost, delivered a compelling charge on academic integrity and professional growth, framing integrity as a foundation of honesty, trust, and responsibility, crowned with courage.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Director of the Office of Grants and Research, shared essential grantsmanship strategies, emphasising persistence, integrity, and the importance of always having a proposal in progress or ready.
Participants praised the seminar as exceptionally timely and insightful, expressing a firm resolve to apply the knowledge and resources shared to accelerate their professional development.
The College of Engineering reaffirms its dedication to fostering an environment where young faculty are nurtured, supported, and empowered to achieve excellence in their academic pursuits and contribute meaningfully to KNUST’s mission.
