The Acting Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, Professor Ebenezer Malcalm, has called on universities across Africa to strengthen partnerships with governments and other stakeholders to address the continent’s pressing development challenges.
Speaking at the launch of the Global Leadership, Innovation and Development Academy (GLIDA), held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Malaysian High Commission in Accra, Professor Malcalm said governments alone could not resolve the continent’s complex challenges.
He identified youth unemployment, digital exclusion, climate change, public health challenges, governance and leadership deficits, food security and technological competitiveness as key areas where universities could direct their research and expertise towards finding sustainable solutions.
Professor Malcalm noted that universities possess the intellectual capital needed to address many of these challenges, but emphasized that their research must extend beyond academic journals and conferences to deliver tangible benefits to society.
“Our research must translate into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen societies. Public leadership therefore requires engagement with government, industry, civil society and international partners. It requires universities to become active contributors to national and continental development,” he said.
Touching on his professional experience, Professor Malcalm observed that effective leadership in higher education goes beyond the day-to-day management of universities.
“It also involves influencing policy, building strategic partnerships, promoting innovation, empowering people and establishing systems that endure beyond individual leaders.
“Throughout my professional journey, I have come to appreciate that leadership in higher education extends far beyond the management of a university,” he said.
Professor Malcalm also urged stakeholders to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability, noting that public confidence in institutions depends on sound governance and ethical conduct.
He stressed that universities must demonstrate the principles they seek to promote by ensuring that knowledge creation is matched by exemplary institutional governance.
“Universities must lead society not only through knowledge creation, but also through exemplary governance.
“Together, we can build leadership ecosystems that nurture innovation, strengthen institutions, and accelerate sustainable development. Together, we can prepare young Africans not merely to participate in the future but to lead it,” he said.
GLIDA was established to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical skills required in leadership, business, governance, diplomacy and other professional fields.
It brought together several distinguished personalities, including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah; Member of Parliament for the Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; Vice-Chancellor of Valley View University, Professor Daniel Ganu; the High Commission’s Chargé d’Affaires and Minister-Counsellor in Ghana, Mr. Syed Nauzer Idid bin Syed Yusoff Idid, among other dignitaries.
