Prof. Hamidatu Darimani Invested as First Female Vice-Chancellor of DHLTU

According to ghana news agency:ccording to Ghana News Agency, before her appointment, Prof. Darimani served in several leadership roles at DHLTU, including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Director of the University's Gender and Diversity Centre. She also served as the University's Coordinator for the European Union (EU) Erasmus+ Agroecological Farming Master Programme for Sustainable Agriculture in West Africa (AGRECOFARM) Project, which runs from 2023 to 2026. Additionally, she was the Project Coordinator for the EU Erasmus+ Waste Reduction and Management through the Implementation of Circular Economy in Western Africa (WARM) Project, spanning 2024 to 2027. Prof. Darimani began her academic career as a lecturer and later pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree through a Japanese Government scholarship, which significantly shaped her professional development in teaching, research, and higher education management. Speaking at her investiture ceremony, Prof. Darimani described her appointment as bot h an honour and a solemn responsibility and said she had not initially envisaged competing for the position. She stated that her appointment demonstrated a strong commitment to gender inclusivity, diversity, and merit-based leadership, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. Prof. Darimani acknowledged the challenges the university faced, particularly infrastructural deficits and limited financial resources, but stressed that the University had continued to fulfil its mandate through resilience and strategic planning. She outlined a vision to transform DHLTU into a globally recognised leader in technical education, training, and research, driven by technology and excellence. 'The vision will be achieved by ensuring academic excellence through impact-oriented teaching, research, and extension activities; promoting environmental and financial sustainability; enhancing partnerships, visibility, and alumni engagement; promoting innovation and technology; and strengthening governance systems and leadershi p,' she explained. Professor Julius Najah Fobil, Chairman of the DHLTU Governing Council, administered the oaths of office and formally invested Prof. Darimani as Vice-Chancellor of the University. He said the Council was proud of her appointment and prayed for divine guidance to enable her to succeed in her leadership role. 'We trust that you have given careful thought to the responsibilities entrusted to you and that you will apply yourself diligently to this calling', Prof. Fobil stated. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, said the elevation of Prof. Darimani reflected her many years of hard work, visionary leadership, and commitment to advancing technical education in Ghana. He noted that her leadership would be critical to training graduates not only for the job market but also to take responsibility for themselves, their families, and society. In a speech read on his behalf, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Chairperson of the Vice-Chancellors of Technical Univer sities in Ghana (VCTU-G), expressed confidence that Prof. Darimani's expertise and vision would further elevate DHLTU and contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of technical university education in Ghana.