Accra: Professor Justice Nyigmah Bawole, the immediate Past Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, has called on university administrators to transcend their traditional roles and become 'architects of student experiences.' He emphasized the vital connection between committed administrative practices and positive student outcomes, cautioning that neglecting student needs could lead to missed opportunities for young individuals.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Bawole delivered these insights during a keynote address at the 2025 University of Ghana Registrar's Management Seminar held at the Cedi Conference Centre. The seminar, focusing on 'Transformational Leadership: Inspiring Vision and Driving Change in Higher Education,' serves as a crucial platform for Senior Administrative and Professional staff to explore emerging trends. The event underscored the pressing need for a more supportive and efficient university system.
Illustrating his point, Professor Bawole shared the story of a former student he assisted by retrieving missing academic results, which enabled the student to obtain his transcript, gain international admission, and secure his desired job. He pointed out the necessity for institutional empathy, particularly for students facing personal challenges.
He recounted an instance involving a young female student who experienced the traumatic event of her father's sudden passing in her presence, subsequently discovering she was pregnant. "That's one of our jobs as administrators, to look out for her, to be able to track her, to be able to mentor, to say a few words and to encourage her," he stated.
Professor Bawole insisted on a shift from rigid administrative control to a system prioritizing support and mentorship for students. He advocated for a collective effort across the university, noting that the engagement of university leaders with students is directly linked to enhancing student experience.
He affirmed that inspiring teaching and administrative transparency are essential for ensuring young people have access to promising futures, emphasizing that institutional systems should not hinder innovation but rather foster confidence in the educational institution. He praised the University of Ghana's dedication to transforming individuals, noting that students who initially join with lower grades often achieve outstanding academic results due to the opportunities provided.