Professor Elias N. K. Sowley, Chairman of the National Catholic Laity Council has assured stakeholders in education of the promotion of good governance and management practices as the first Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), formerly known as Wa Polytechnic.
Professor Sowley was appointed the first VC of the DHLTU by the Governing Council, effective 1st June, 2021. Until his appointment, he was the Dean of the Graduate School of the University for Development Studies (UDS), a position he assumed in 2018. Prior to that he had worked in various teaching and administrative capacities in the same institution since 2001.
Speaking after his investiture recently, he indicated that he would administer the University in a transparent manner and establish the necessary structures prescribed by law and the statutes of the University.
Outlining his vision as VC, Prof. Sowley pledged to promote the growth and advancement of the University and to position it as a world-class Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Higher Education Institution (HEI).
In furtherance of this objective, he identified some deficits in the infrastructure and other facilities which he promised to address. This he said will be backed by the relevant policies some of which will be developed if they are non-existent.
In this regard, he promised that a Directorate of Academic Quality Assurance and Planning, will be established and given the necessary support to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations guiding the operations of HEI in Ghana and beyond.
To improve upon and expand the existing infrastructure of the University, Professor Sowley promised to will work closely with his Management Team and the GC to secure funding from government and donor agencies to improve and provide additional halls of residence, faculty building, laboratories, workshops and sporting facilities.
He added that more boreholes will be drilled and mechanised to improve upon the water supply on campus.
Prof. Sowley, who is currently the Chairman of the National Catholic Laity Council, also promised that solar energy systems would be installed to improve upon power supply to reduce dependence on the national grid. He added that lecture halls would also be fitted with modern gadgets to facilitate teaching and learning and encourage the use of e-learning resources and virtual teaching and learning.
The VC stated that he would ensure increased visibility of the University through internationalisation and linkages saying, “In a global village, no institution can develop in isolation so we will try to increase the visibility of DHLTU by establishing an International Relations Office, supporting research and publication in reputable journals, collaborating with other TVET institutions and industry, strengthening university and community relations and adopting best practices from other HEIs through staff exchanges”.
He further stated that he would strive to improve on the finances of the University through development and running of demand–driven programmes and short courses, consultancy services, commercialisation of existing facilities and services, promotion of grantsmanship, collaboration with the private sector and soliciting support from alumni, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists.
In a bid to increase enrolment, he said new academic programmes would be introduced, poorly patronised programmes would also be rebranded. He added that information about the university’s programmes, admission requirements and career prospects, would be disseminated through social and traditional media.
The VC also promised that security on the campus would be improved by installing CCTV cameras in all buildings and at strategic locations to ensure the safety of staff and students. Prof. Sowley added that this will be complemented by a well-trained Campus Security Corps who will also be responsible for protecting all installations of the University.
Professor Sowley expressed gratitude to the GC for finding him worthy of the position of VC and also stakeholders of DHLTU who welcomed, encouraged and supported him most especially, the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Wa Naa, Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, the Regional Minister and others who took keen interest in the affairs of DHLTU and have supported the institution in various ways.
He also commended President Akufo-Addo, the Minister for Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and the Commission for Technical Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), for taking keen interest in the progress and development of the University.
Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, represented President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the Special Guest of Honour.
