The Vice-Chancellor of University of Professional Studies, Accra, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to innovation and relevance in higher education following the relaunch of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) as a directorate under the university.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Mawutor stressed the urgent need for universities to continuously review and update their academic programmes to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. He noted that UPSA remains focused on delivering purpose-driven professional education that equips students with practical skills and industry-ready competencies.
The relaunch, held as part of UPSA’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, signals a renewed vision for the Institute, anchored on innovation, relevance, and strengthened collaboration between academia and industry. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the repositioning of IPS will play a critical role in shaping globally competitive graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
The event brought together key stakeholders from academia and industry, underscoring UPSA’s long-standing mandate of integrating scholarship with professionalism. Participants highlighted the Institute’s legacy in providing professional and executive education, while embracing a forward-looking strategy to meet emerging workforce needs.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education, Director of Tertiary Education, Dr. Emmanuel Newman, described professional education as a cornerstone of economic transformation, noting that countries that have achieved sustained growth have invested heavily in strong technical and professional training systems.
Chairman of the UPSA Governing Council, Dr. Harry Lawson Agbanu, also emphasised that modern economies demand professionals who are not only academically sound but also technically skilled, ethically grounded, and adaptable to digital transformation.
The relaunch of IPS positions it as a central pillar in UPSA’s strategic drive to expand continuing professional development and enhance executive education, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in professional training in Ghana and beyond.
