Professor Joshua Alabi has emphasised that true institutional transformation starts with people rather than infrastructure, as he delivered an impassioned acceptance speech after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Addressing the congregation, the former UPSA Vice-Chancellor said the recognition symbolised a shared journey of “faith, resilience and transformation,” reflecting decades of collective effort by staff, students and alumni. He stressed that leadership must prioritise empowering people, noting that the first phase of UPSA’s transformation focused on strengthening and motivating human resources.
Prof. Alabi recounted how shifting government-funded programmes to morning sessions, introducing evening and weekend schools, stabilising fees and expanding access all stemmed from a commitment to people-centred leadership. He emphasised that one of the key lessons he learned as a leader was that resistance is often “fear of the unknown,” and must be rechannelled positively.
He highlighted extensive efforts to develop academic talent, including securing doctoral training for lecturers when recruitment was frozen. Many of those trained, he said, now serve as heads of departments, vice-chancellors and advisors to national institutions. “Transformation began with people; inspiring them, trusting them and empowering them,” he added.
Prof. Alabi noted that the collaborative spirit within UPSA helped the institution secure major milestones such as the Presidential Charter and the transition from IPS to UPSA. He celebrated the fact that staff unions, including UTAG-UPSA and TEWU, remained supportive, describing their role as critical to stability and growth.
Reflecting on his broader leadership philosophy, he said transformative leadership must build systems so strong that “no successor can afford to underperform,” because the community will demand excellence. He also urged Ghanaian institutions to reward hard work through simple acts of recognition, not only monetary incentives.
Prof. Alabi expressed gratitude for being invited to serve again in national leadership, noting that under his tenure as Board Chairman of GCB Bank, the share price rose from GHS 5.75 to GHS 19 through strengthened governance and a new strategic direction.
He encouraged young people not to wait for perfect conditions before pursuing their goals, reminding them that success is the product of integrity, teamwork and gratitude. He called on the nation to celebrate performers without political bias, saying this would create more role models for future generations.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
