A Two-Day Orientation Programme for Deans, Directors, Heads of Department and Coordinators of the College of Health Sciences, KNUST
The College of Health Sciences (CHS), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), successfully organized a Two-Day Orientation Programme for Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, and Coordinators as part of preparatory activities for the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The programme was held from 16th to 17th December 2025 in the College Boardroom, bringing together key academic and administrative leaders of the College.
The orientation was designed to equip participants with the requisite knowledge, skills, and policy clarity to effectively execute their leadership and administrative responsibilities. It also provided a platform for shared learning, collaboration, and alignment with university-wide systems and expectations.
Opening and Day One Highlights
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Christian Agyare, who emphasized the strategic role of academic leaders in upholding standards, ensuring compliance, and driving the College’s vision in teaching, research, and service.
Subsequent sessions focused on strengthening leadership capacity and institutional understanding. Rev. Prof. Charles Ansah led a comprehensive discussion on the roles and responsibilities of Heads within the University system, offering insights into governance structures and administrative processes. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Jamil Ibrahim Badu on sound financial administration, covering budgeting, fund mobilization, expenditure monitoring, and adherence to timelines.
Participants were also taken through KNUST policies on teaching and peer/professional evaluation by Dr. Paul Kwadwo Addo, reinforcing quality assurance in teaching and learning. The day featured a session by Mr. Moses Tsiquaye on auditing as a strategic instrument for institutional control, highlighting accountability and risk management within departments and the College.
Day Two: Academic Processes, Compliance and Innovation
The second day emphasized academic administration, accreditation, and innovation. Prof. D. Adjei-Boateng delivered a detailed presentation on preparing for accreditation, outlining key procedures, standards, and deadlines critical to maintaining programme credibility and compliance.
This was complemented by Prof. James Oppong-Kyekyeku’s session on managing examinations and processing academic results, addressing best practices and common pitfalls. Mrs. Regina Nuako also engaged participants on the criteria for appointments, interviewing new applicants, and challenges associated with promotion documentation, providing practical guidance for departmental leadership.
A key highlight of the day was the session by Prof. Michael Poku-Boansi on synergy among departments, faculties/schools, the College, and the School of Graduate Studies, underscoring the importance of collaboration and coordination across academic units. Additionally, Mr. Duke Agyeman Fredua sensitized participants on procurement procedures in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), ensuring compliance with national regulations.
The programme concluded with a forward-looking session by Prof. Obed Brew on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching, learning, and research, focusing on the responsibilities of Heads of Department during the implementation phase and the need to balance innovation with ethical and academic standards.
Conclusion
The two-day orientation programme was highly interactive, with question-and-answer and discussion sessions integrated throughout to address participants’ concerns and contextual challenges. Overall, the initiative reaffirmed the College’s commitment to capacity building, effective leadership, and institutional excellence.
By equipping Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, and Coordinators with relevant knowledge and practical tools, the College of Health Sciences has taken a significant step toward ensuring a well-coordinated, compliant, and innovative academic environment for the 2025/2026 academic year.
