Pro Vice-Chancellor Engages IT Directorate on Digital Transformation and Institutional Development
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, has engaged staff of the Information Technology Directorate (ITD) as part of his ongoing interactions with units and directorates under his portfolio.
The engagement, held on Friday, 28 August 2026, provided an opportunity for the Pro Vice-Chancellor to interact directly with members of ITD, learn more about the Directorate’s operations and discuss opportunities for strengthening its contribution to the University’s digital transformation agenda.
In his opening remarks, Professor Codjoe emphasised the importance of regular engagement with staff across the University. He explained that such interactions would enable him to better understand the work of the various units, appreciate their strengths and identify challenges requiring management attention. He also expressed his appreciation for the expertise and technical capacity within ITD.
A major focus of the meeting was the role of technology in supporting the University’s institutional development and preparing students for the changing world of work. Discussions highlighted initiatives such as the Digital Youth Village and the One Million Coders initiative, which were considered important opportunities for expanding digital skills and supporting young people to acquire competencies relevant to the future of work.
Strengthening Collaboration with Academic Departments
The meeting also explored opportunities for stronger collaboration between ITD and relevant academic departments, particularly the Departments of Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
The engagement identified the potential for developing more structured partnerships around curriculum development, practical learning, internships and other opportunities that would enable undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain hands-on experience within ITD.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor noted the importance of moving beyond individual or informal arrangements towards more structured institutional partnerships. Such collaboration, it was noted, could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical experience while also exposing students to real-world technology operations.
Improving IT Systems and Institutional Processes
The discussions further touched on the need to formalise processes relating to ITD services and activities. Clearer procedures for requests, approvals and the management of digital systems were identified as important for improving efficiency and service delivery.
The University’s digital platforms, including the graduation portal, were among the systems referenced during the engagement. The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening institutional systems and ensuring that technology services are supported by clear and coordinated processes.
Staffing, Funding and Institutional Coordination
Staffing and institutional coordination also featured in the discussions. The meeting considered issues surrounding personnel working on technology-related projects and centres, particularly arrangements involving project-funded staff and the need for clearer institutional integration.
The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring appropriate coordination among ITD, Colleges, Human Resources and other relevant University structures when staffing and technology-related projects are being established or implemented.
The potential for ITD to compete more actively for external funding was also highlighted. The Directorate's success in securing funding under the Ghana Skills Development Fund was cited as an indication of its capacity to attract competitive funding. The Pro Vice-Chancellor encouraged ITD to continue developing proposals and initiatives capable of attracting additional external support.
The meeting also considered opportunities for generating additional revenue through technology-related services and leveraging the University's technical expertise and infrastructure.
Data Centre as a Strategic Institutional Asset
The University's data centre was identified as another important institutional asset with potential for greater visibility and strategic utilisation.
The facility's ability to attract interest from external stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from other countries and universities, was recognised as an opportunity for the University to showcase its technological capabilities, strengthen partnerships and explore additional funding and collaboration opportunities.
Commitment to Continued Engagement
The engagement formed part of Professor Codjoe's broader approach of maintaining direct and regular interaction with staff and units across the University. He indicated that periodic engagements could provide opportunities for continued dialogue, enabling management to better understand operational realities, identify challenges and work collaboratively towards addressing them.
The meeting with ITD therefore highlighted the strategic importance of technology to the University's operations, teaching and learning, research, innovation and institutional development. It also underscored the need for stronger collaboration, structured partnerships, efficient systems and greater utilisation of the University's technological capacity to support the University's broader strategic objectives.