“Stepping Forward Together: A New Year of Purpose, Excellence, and Transformation”
As we welcome the dawn of 2026, I extend warm New Year greetings to our faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, and the entire Central University (CU) community. A new year always invites reflection, renewal, and recommitment and for us as a University, it presents an opportunity to recommit ourselves to our shared mission of raising virtuous and transformational leaders for Ghana, Africa, and the world.
I begin by expressing my profound gratitude to every member of this community. Your dedication, resilience, faith, and service have sustained Central University through seasons of growth and challenge. We stand today on a strong foundation laid by visionary leaders before us, and together we now look ahead with confidence, hope, and purpose.
My vision as Vice-Chancellor is to lead Central University toward becoming a leading 21st-century institution, innovative, student-centred, financially resilient, research-driven, and deeply rooted in Christian values. This vision is anchored in five strategic thrusts that will guide our actions and aspirations.
Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Research
At the heart of every great university is academic excellence. In 2026 and beyond, we will intensify our commitment to delivering quality, relevant, and functional teaching and learning. We will continue to refine our pedagogical approaches, strengthen quality assurance systems, and foster innovative learning experiences that prepare our graduates for a rapidly changing world.
Research will be a central pillar of our academic identity. By aligning our research agenda we will sharpen our research focus, encourage collaboration, and enhance our global competitiveness. Engaging the media through our writings, policy briefs, public lectures, and new platforms including the proposed CU radio station will ensure our research informs policy, enriches society, and amplifies our voice.
A Truly Student-Centred University
Our students are at the very heart of Central University. In 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to placing students at the centre of all we do. We will strengthen tutorial systems, grievance-handling mechanisms, and feedback channels to ensure students are heard, supported, and empowered. Through industry-linked teaching, the establishment of active advisory boards, and the expansion of structured internship opportunities, we will deliberately bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. At the same time, we will prioritize the holistic well-being of our students by expanding access to mental health services, academic advising, and career counselling. Our goal extends beyond academic instruction. We seek to nurture confident, ethical, resilient, and industry-ready graduates who are equipped to lead and thrive in an ever-changing global environment.
Financial Sustainability and Growth
Financial sustainability is essential to fulfilling our mission. In the year ahead, we will pursue diversified revenue streams through demand-driven programmes, executive education, consulting services, digital learning platforms, and strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond. The repositioning of the Christ Temple Campus (Abossey Okai) as a postgraduate centre and the expansion of online and hybrid programmes will strengthen our reach and resilience.
Equally important, we will exercise prudent stewardship of resources through strong governance, cost-efficiency measures, and transparent financial controls. A revitalized alumni engagement strategy will further support our long-term sustainability.
Compliance, Community Engagement, and Brand Presence
Central University’s identity is anchored in Christian values, integrity, and service. In 2026, we will strengthen regulatory compliance, governance, and asset management while deepening our engagement with communities, industry, and global partners.
We will advance a regionalisation agenda rooted in South–South collaboration, pursue strategic MoUs, and amplify CU’s voice through a dynamic Public Affairs and media relations strategy. By telling our story well through traditional media, social platforms, and scholarly engagement we will enhance our brand as a compliant, community-focused, and globally connected institution.
A High-Performance and Caring Work Environment
Our people are our greatest asset. This year, we recommit to building a high-performance work environment that values excellence, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. We will strengthen mentoring systems and promote grantsmanship and research productivity.
Guided by our Christian ethos, we will prioritize staff well-being, fairness, and transparency in promotions, grievance resolution, and disciplinary processes. Our aim is to cultivate a workplace where every staff member feels valued, supported, and inspired to give their best.
A Shared Journey Forward
As we step into 2026, I invite every member of the Central University community to walk this journey together with faith, integrity, excellence and unity of purpose. Let us dream boldly, work diligently, and serve selflessly. Together, we will strengthen Central University’s legacy as a university of choice, a centre of excellence, and a beacon of virtue and transformation.
May 2026 be a year of renewed hope, remarkable achievements, and abundant grace for us all.
Happy New Year, and God bless Central University.
Professor Kwasi Dartey-Baah
Vice-Chancellor