Prof. Helen Lauer Delivers Inaugural Lecture

Prof Helen Lauer

Prof Helen Lauer, a former head of the Department of Philosophy and Classics of the University of Ghana has delivered her inaugural lecture on the topic, “UG’s Epistemic Competitive Advantage: The Humanities in a World Class African University”, at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana.

Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia

Making introductory remarks, the Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia said an Inaugural Lecture was a statutory requirement and a tradition for academic staff who have attained full Professorship and congratulated Prof. Lauer for attaining this height in her academic career.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey

Introducing Prof. Helen Lauer before her presentation, The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey who chaired the event acknowledged Prof Lauer’s contribution towards academic work in the University, notably her years of dedicated service to the teaching of Philosophy and her support for the Balme Library among others.  .

In her presentation, Prof Lauer urged graduates to influence development change, to be critical thinkers with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as innovators and team players. She entreated Africans to invent a new history, innovate new concepts rather than imitate what has been done in Western societies. She said that as knowledge consumers in post-colonial societies, it is important to keep asking questions about how expertise is determined and what justifies authority and ensure a criterion is set for efficiency in handling resources to promote development. She stressed that African Universities should teach relevant skills required, create their own research consortium to deliver insight, incentives and capacity for both the local and outside markets to help overcome crisis.

Prof. Aryeetey in his closing remarks thanked Prof. Lauer for reiterating the need to  effect the necessary changes to make the University relevant to the environment and its people.

Presentations were made to Prof. Lauer by the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Philosophy and Classics. There was also a presentation from Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Director of the Legon Center of International Affairs and Diplomacy. In attendance were past officials of the University, members of the University community former students of Prof. Lauer and the general public.

Prior to the Inaugural lecture, there was a week-long exhibition of Prof Lauer’s academic publications at the Balme Library. The exhibition featured 62 academic publications of Prof. Lauer made up of articles, book reviews, book chapters and text books.

 

 Dr. Badasu assisting Prof. Lauer to cut a ribbon to symbolize the opening of the exhibition of her academic works

 

Prof. Lauer conducting officials round her exhibited academic publications

 

Prof. Lauer in a pose with Prof. E.K. Ackah, Head of the Department of Philosophy and Classics and a staff of the Department after receiving a bouquet from them.

 

Dr. Cosmos Badasu (second right), Acting Dean of Faulty of Arts and a staff from the faculty congratulating Prof. Lauer with a bouquet of flowers

 

Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu is seen here presenting a bouquet of flowers to Prof. Lauer

 

  

Sections of the audience at the Lecture

 

Prof. Lauer in a pose with University officials and colleagues from the Faculty of Arts