GCTU has hosted the Association of West African Universities (AWAU) on a two-day International Capacity Building and Study Tour for Directors of Works and Physical Planning from August 3 to August 4, 2026, at the Tesano campus.
The programme, themed “Strategic Leadership in Infrastructure Planning, Execution and Monitoring,” was designed to strengthen capacity building in infrastructure leadership and management within tertiary institutions.
Delivering his acceptance remarks as Chairperson of the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the University Council, Ing. Divine D. K. Kpetigo, described the programme as more than a workshop, calling it “a strategic convergence of minds committed to shaping the future of tertiary education infrastructure across West Africa.”
He noted that the initiative provides a valuable platform for participants to exchange knowledge, share best practices and strengthen collaboration in infrastructure planning and development. He expressed confidence that the programme would inspire innovative ideas and equip participants with practical strategies to build modern, resilient and globally competitive universities.
In his welcome address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, underscored the vital role of universities as catalysts for national development and innovation. He encouraged participants to explore strategic leadership approaches to infrastructure planning and execution while embracing digital solutions to enhance infrastructure management across tertiary institutions.
Delivering the purpose of the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, emphasized the need for well-planned, sustainable and technology-driven infrastructure to support quality higher education. He urged participants to leverage the expertise of the facilitators, whose presentations would provide the practical knowledge and tools needed to advance sustainable infrastructure development across tertiary institutions.
Also in a keynote address, delivered on behalf of the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, the Minister in Charge of Political Affairs at the Nigerian High Commission, Mr. Olonijolu Olufemi, urged participants to adopt strategic, forward-looking leadership in infrastructure development. The representative emphasized sound planning, evidence-based decision-making, prudent resource management and effective project monitoring as part of the strategies. He encouraged participants to broaden their knowledge, share experiences and exchange innovative ideas to strengthen infrastructure planning and management across tertiary institutions.
In a related development, the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole, noted in his goodwill message that the workshop focuses on strengthening strategic leadership in infrastructure planning and improving infrastructure governance across universities. He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences and build lasting professional networks throughout the programme.
The event featured workshop sessions on strategic planning, infrastructure planning and project conceptualization, project execution, contract administration and risk management. Other areas focused on infrastructure financing, AI in infrastructure planning and monitoring, sustainable campus development, asset management, governance, regulatory compliance and stakeholder management.
Participants also embarked on study tours of the University of Ghana and GCTU campuses to explore infrastructure development and best practices.
