General Manager for Citi FM and Citi TV, Bernardino Koku Avle has charged graduating Mphil and PhD students at the University of Ghana to live true to the ideals of the University– that is, proceeding in truth and integrity.
According to him, the graduates as a result of their training received from the University are expected to show leadership and integrity in all they do.
Mr. Avle who was speaking as the guest speaker for the University of Ghana MPhil and PhD congregation on Friday, advised that, the ultimate test of a leader is the legacy and change he/she leaves behind.
Reading out the words of the school’s anthem in his concluding speech, Mr. Avle opined that the words of the University’s anthem sums up the spirit and power of the University.
“Legon taught me that the greatest way to gain leadership is not by running for political office, but by solving a problem… Legon taught me that the most difficult person to lead was myself and that self leadership was the foundation of true leadership.”
“Legon taught me that the ultimate test of a leader is not a property I acquire but is the legacy and change I leave after I left… Legon taught me that, the most important ingredient in leadership is integrity…The words of your famous anthem sum up the spirit and power of this great University.”
Bernard Avle commends UG Vice-Chancellor
Mr. Avle in his speech also commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro-Owusu for what he describes as his honesty and personal show of leadership during the BBC sex for grades scandal that hit the University.
According to him, the decision of the Vice-Chancellor to meet and engage students personally after the scandal is the surest way of maintaining the integrity of the institution.
“On this note, I need to commend the Vice-Chancellor for his honest and personal show of leadership in meeting students personally after the BBC sex for grades scandal to answer questions openly. This is how to maintain integrity, this is how you build an image not through PR and adverts but by being honest and facing the facts.” Bernard said.
Two months ago, the University of Ghana interdicted two of its lecturers captured in the BBC’s “Sex for Grades” documentary over their alleged sexual harassment of female students.
The two — Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Dr. Paul Kwame Butakor were later hauled before the University’s Anti Sexual Harassment Committee to assist with internal investigations.
Although the two denied the allegations levelled against them, pressure was mounted on the University to take decisive actions to show its commitment to dealing with the issue of sexual misconduct.
The university among other things, set up a five-member fact-finding committee to look into the matter and offer its recommendations.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University also met and interacted with students after the incident.
