THE KNUST SCHOOL OF BUSINESS KICKS-OFF 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

THE KNUST SCHOOL OF BUSINESS KICKS-OFF 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The KNUST School of Business commenced its 20th Anniversary celebrations in the Second Semester on the 1st June 2025 in a Grand Opening ceremony at the Post-Graduate block of the Faculty. The event starting from 8am, had in attendance august and esteemed men and women like the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. David Asamoah, His Royal Highness, the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Chiefs from Accra and Kumasi, the Dean of KSB, Prof Ahmed Agyapong, the Vice-Dean of KSB, Prof K.O. Appiah, industry experts like the reputable Mr. Daniel McKorley of McDan Group, representatives from Omnibsic Bank, Prudential Life Insurance, Absa Bank, GCB, staff of KSB as well as the students of the prestigious Faculty.

“ Over the past two decades, the KNUST School of Business has grown from a fledgling faculty into a nationally and internationally respected institution, producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also capable, resilient, and globally competitive. This celebration is a testament to the vision, leadership, and commitment that have shaped the School’s journey thus far. ”  The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rita Akosua Dickson, said, in the opening statements of her speech.

“ As a university of science and technology, we are particularly proud of the School’s ability to blend theory with practice, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world relevance. The initiatives under this anniversary—from symposium to job fairs, skills labs, and outreach—demonstrate the School’s commitment to inclusive and transformative education. ”  Prof Rita reiterated. Ending her speech, she gave thanks to the support system of the KSB-the industry experts, staff and even students- whose contributions have advanced the KSB to its current status.

The Keynote speaker, Barrister Hilda Nimo Teiko, started her speech first and foremost congratulating the KSB on the various accomplishments of the Faculty before swiftly focusing on the landscape of the business world at the moment. She talked of the juxtaposing reality of the business landscape where there was an abundance of educated young people and yet outcry from employers about the lack of-job-ready talents. It hinted at the lack of skills gap that has become a common phenomenon according to her. She spoke of how AI has changed the very terrain of business and employment. She also spoke of how employers now demand a hybrid or multi-skilled employee because of how transformed the Business sector is currently.

“Think of a finance graduate who can build dashboards in Power BI, or a marketing professional who understands data analytics and customer journey mapping. Even traditional sectors like banking and manufacturing want talent that combines critical thinking with digital savvy.” she said

She spoke sadly about how graduates are now technically trained yet are not workplace or market-ready by graduation. To counter such catastrophe, she suggested the co-creation of curriculum with industry-players in order to also train students in the present-time skills needed for work. The investment of digital literacy is also something Barrister Hilda suggested becoming a core subject as well as the integration of soft skills and emotional intelligence into the curriculum. To end it all, the Jobberman Chief Executive Officer, urged students to equip themselves with more than educational grit and agility. She told them to build personal brands and seek constant feedback.

“Build your personal brand early, seek feedback constantly and say yes to challenges that scare you. And remember; in this world, no one hires degrees- People hire capabilities. As the American business strategist Peter Drucker once said: ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’

So don’t wait for opportunity. Train for it. Shape yourself for it. And when it arrives, be so prepared that no one can overlook you.”

Embracing the successes of the KSB over the years, the Dean of the KNUST School of Business, in his speech spoke of the 20-Year long transformation of the Faculty since 2005. Reminiscing on the past and humble beginnings of the Faculty, he was delighted also to share the boastful and evident accomplishments and achievements of the KNUST School of Business. 

“We are committed to addressing youth unemployment by championing entrepreneurial education. Through venture incubation hubs and practice-based learning, we aim to equip students with the mindset and tools to become job creators rather than job seekers. “  Prof Ahmed said, while talking of the aims and goals of the Faculty in the coming years.

“ In response to the rapid digitization of the global economy, we are preparing students to thrive in the future of business. Key initiatives include; Curriculum upgrades in AI, data analytics, block-chain, fin-tech, and related technologies and the establishment of digital literacy and innovation labs ” 

- he also added, to the topic of the recent steps of the KSB. As he ended his speech, he called from support from industry experts, staff and well-established businesses in the country in making the strides of the KSB easier and more efficient in the coming years.

Addressing the rising issues of unemployment rate in Ghana, His Royal Highness, spoke of first-hand witnessing the effects of unemployment on the Ghanaian youth and urged the KSB, alongside other premier institutions in Ghana to step-up in order to control and deflate such negative growth in the rates of unemployment in Ghana. Ending his speech, he urged students to start leading themselves with integrity before lifting others especially in the business industry.

In his speech at the event, the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, urged the students and the faculty to rise from setbacks and push harder for excellence even after 20 years as the Faculty moves ahead. He also as an alumnus, commended and acknowledged the hunger and drive of the KSB in becoming a premier Business Educational Center in West Africa and on the Global platform.

 " KSB must teach to bounce back from setbacks because the world is waiting for your voice, for your goal and it is hungry for your leadership. I've seen your brilliance, I've seen your potential and I've seen your hunger to do the undone. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary, I urge the KSB to deepen its connections to traditional systems. And to the private sector and policy sector, I advise you to work together to shape tomorrow's leaders to not only be academically excellent, socially conscious and culturally grounded but also development inclined “

Leaving the podium in a manner fit for a King, the industry experts and representatives from Banks also took to the podium to add their own cents to the collection.

 

Mr Daniel McKorley, the CEO for McDan Group in Accra also spoke highly of the KSB and how its Educational system and efforts have not only produced but transformed Businessmen in Ghana. He also spoke of how graduating students he employs and accepts as National Service Personnel in his company reflect the quality of Business Education they have received, especially students from KSB. 

“ Let’s champion entrepreneurship and introduce and integrate seasoned industry giants into the classroom setting, engaging students in a manner that builds them up for the business world post-graduation.”  He said, also emphasizing the need for market-ready graduates.

Ending his speech, he called for the building of Africa and its Business space, a dream and step at a time. Other guests also took to the podium, hammering gently on what the accomplished men and women before them had already said at the event before leaving for the Exhibition center at the Saarah Mensah Auditorium where the Ga Mantse, King Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, was ushered in to view and engage the various exhibit stands, set up  and manned by various KNUST School of Business students and staff from the various departments. Led by Dr Dorcas Nuetey, she introduced the various products and services of each exhibitor to His Royal Highness and his entourage. Leaving the exhibition gathering, His Royal Highness urged all to also engage in and benefit from the exhibition at the Saarah Mensah Auditorium.

 

Source: Nana Kwaku Anyimadu Ofori