GCTU Hosts the 23rd Edition of Prestigious Lecture
On Friday, 24th March, 2023, GCTU hosted its 23rd Prestigious Lecture at the Florence Onny Auditorium. The lecture was organized under the auspices of the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) and was delivered by Prof. Manoj Maharaj, a Professor in Information Systems and Technology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Prof Maharaj, who is also a leading expert in the management and leadership of higher education and training institutions, gave an astutely expert lecture based on the theme, “Digital Transformation in Higher Educational Institutions in the 21st Century-Lessons learnt, Challenges and Prospects”.
The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, in a brief overview, emphasized the role of the Prestigious Lecture in bridging the gap between industry and academia, and reiterated its importance in engendering a spirit of learning and research within the institution. Prof. Ebenezer Malcalm, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, also spoke about the essential value offered by the Prestigious lecture series, expressing his delight at the fact that the University would be benefitting from the expertise and experience of yet another excellent resource person.
The Chairman of the event, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, the Vice-Chancellor, re-echoed the Registrar’s sentiments regarding the importance of the Prestigious lecture. He stated: “Technology is changing fast and to remain relevant in business you need to change and adapt so you can succeed”. He asserted that as an institution, GCTU’s primary focus is on expanding knowledge and developing industry ready professionals, and undoubtedly, the prestigious lecture series has played a central role in the advancement of this agenda.
Using his wealth of industry experience in the area of Information Systems and Technology, Prof. Maharaj, gave those in attendance a holistic, practical and interactive insight into the ubiquitous role of technology in modern education, labelling it as the “Oil or lubricant of modern society”. He also alluded to the various ways in which technology can be used to maximize the teaching and learning process, stating that it must be integrated into every aspect of running the institution.
Prof. Maharaj, provided an overview of the key challenges and prospects associated with the use of Technology in Educational Institutions, citing resistance to change as a predominant barrier, and highlighting the potential for unique and empowering innovation among other key prospects.
The lecture was delivered in an innovative and interactive manner, with Prof. Maharaja making use of practical examples and demonstrations to highlight the intricacies of digital transformation in the higher education space.
In the ensuing Q and A session, Prof. Maharaj provided further insights into what is without doubt a very topical issue.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, thanked Prof. Maharaj on behalf of the University, for the time, effort and expertise he applied in delivering such an excellent lecture.
The Vice-Chancellor had his take in expressing appreciation to the lecturer and presented him with a beautiful citation.
The event concluded with a wonderfully organized cocktail to celebrate the distinguished Professor.
As with previous editions, the lecture presented students and staff alike an opportunity to network and gain invaluable academic and professional knowledge. We look forward to future editions and hope for much more of the same.
