Universities must produce innovators and job creators, not just degree holders – Okyenhene

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has called on universities to redesign their academic programmes to meet the changing demands of the global economy, urging higher education institutions to produce graduates who are innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators rather than merely degree holders.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the investiture of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori as Vice-Chancellor of Garden City University and the university’s 18th Congregation, the Okyenhene said rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, climate change, public health and evolving labour markets require universities to rethink how they prepare students for the future.

“The significance of today’s ceremony extends beyond one individual. We are living in a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancement, artificial intelligence, climate change, public health challenges, economic uncertainty and evolving labour markets. Universities must therefore become centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, research and problem-solving,” he said.

The Okyenhene noted that while many young Ghanaians possess the talent, determination and entrepreneurial drive to establish businesses, they often face significant challenges in turning their ideas into successful enterprises.

“I have often asked myself how our universities can better promote entrepreneurship. Today, many young people in our country have the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit to start their own businesses.

“However, doing so is often very difficult. We must create an enabling environment that makes it possible for young people to establish and grow their own enterprises,” he stated.

According to him, the future of Africa’s economy will depend largely on the quality of graduates produced by its universities and their ability to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.

“The future of jobs in Africa will depend on our ability to produce graduates who are not merely degree holders, but critical thinkers, innovators, ethical leaders and job creators,” he stressed.

Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin described education as the most sustainable investment any nation can make, saying it remains the surest path to national development and long-term prosperity.

“As a traditional leader, I have long recognised that education remains the most sustainable investment any society can make. Throughout my reign, I have consistently championed educational advancement because I firmly believe that the development of our people is the foundation upon which a prosperous society is built,” he noted.

He also cited the journey of the newly inducted Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori, as an example of the transformative power of education.

“The story of Professor Eric Kwasi Ofori profoundly illustrates that where you are born does not determine your destiny. Education has the power to transform a young boy from Kyebi into a respected scholar, an internationally recognised academic, and now the Vice-Chancellor of one of Ghana’s most respected universities,” he said.

The Okyenhene urged universities to continue investing in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to equip graduates with the practical skills and knowledge needed to drive economic transformation, create employment and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.

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