The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and guest speaker at the 40th Matriculation ceremony of CSUC, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, has urged students to adopt ‘observation’ as a field of study to advance the development of the society.
Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, speaking on the theme “the opportunities and challenges of university education in the 21st century – implications for first year students,” advised students to study how society works, identify problems that need solutions and apply the knowledge they have acquired to solve them.
“You get paid for solving problems and doing what others do not want to do. So while at school, develop skills you can use in the future” Prof. Odai asserted.
Citing the trend of leadership in the major thriving industries in Ghana, namely mining, timber and petroleum, Prof. Odai said these industries are often managed and driven by foreign expatriates. This is because modern economies transcend geo-political boundaries.
“But the problem with us as is that, foreigners are willing to solve problems that our people consider to be beneath them,” added the KNUST Pro Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Odai cited the case of China, where within the Shanghai province, an enterprising business man has set up a growing online shopping mall – “Alibaba.com” – that delivers groceries, foodstuff and other basic necessities to the doorsteps of busy online shoppers.
“The businessman identified a need and went out to solve it. He has been so successful at this that his business is providing stiff competition to Amazon.com, the renowned online shopping company” added Prof. Odai.
Mrs. Mabel Gyamfi, proprietor of Pat Doramo International School in Kumasi and a parent of one of the matriculants, added that she educates her ward at CSUC because at the University College, students are sure of being given the right Christian, academic and moral training that will enable them become change agents in society.
Rev. Iddrisu Tweneboa-Koduah, a Master of Arts in Theology and Administration matriculant, encouraged students to use the “observational” mode of study being recommended by guest speaker because it can solve many problems within the church and the society.
