Dr. Abdallah Ali-Nakyea, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law, and a tax expert re-echoed the need for higher education institutions to proactively create a healthy relationship with their alumni to reap all the benefits that come with the established relationship.
Speaking at the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) Alumni Day, on the theme “The Role of alumni in the Development of Higher Technical Education”, Dr Ali-Nakyea noted that the alumni has a lot to offer the institutions that have put in strategic plans in society.
“It is imperative that institutions of higher education take deliberate steps to build vibrant alumni associations, and actively build a much-needed relationship with its alumni to yield fruitful inputs that would help in building the institution’s expertise, capabilities and reputations”, he said.
He noted that currently, the educational system of Ghana is faced with multifaceted challenges which impede the delivery of well-rounded, quality education fit for the professional world.
These challenges, according to him, came into existence as a result of the dysfunctional nature of the country’s educational system when assessed against the goals and aspirations of education in the country.
“As complex organisations, institutions of higher education face difficult and multifaceted challenges, the effect of these multifaceted challenges on the institutions in developing countries like ours, is even more pronounced compared to those of our developed counterparts.
“These challenges include; Revenue Diversification, Lack of Funds for Administrative and Research Purposes, Institutional Autonomy, Disconnect from Industry, Information and Communication Technology, Changing Student Mix, Quality Enhancement and Relevance, Administrative and Management Structures and Processes, Equity and Access to Higher Education and Networking and Partnership Development”, he asserted.
He indicated that alumni of higher educational institutions, if given the opportunity can play pivotal roles in addressing some of these challenges affecting the institution.
“Former students or alumni of any higher education institution can play an immensely positive role in higher education transformation. An active alumni association can contribute in academic matters, student support as well as mobilisation of resources – both financial and non-financial. It however needs to be convinced that their hard-earned money will not fall prey to corrupt practices and will be used wisely for betterment and growth” he emphasised.
Dr. Ali-Nakyea in his speech highlighted a few ways the alumni could be of great value to higher education institutions saying, “the alumni of any educational institution are a great asset and play varied roles in making the institution a success. As alumni, the values formed from our alma mater enable us to take part in conversations about the direction in which the school is headed. This ensures that the school’s mission is well understood, sustained and empowered. The alumni also act as fundraising prospects for university development projects, which allows the institution to stay running, while providing essential facilities to optimise the learning experience of students” he noted.
The event was held on Saturday, 3rd December, 2022, at the KsTU Great Hall, Kumasi.
