(VIDEO) Prof. Kumi Boateng Vows to Elevate UMaT to Africa’s Top Technology University
Prof. Kumi Boateng Aims to Make UMaT a Leading African Technology University
- Professor Kumi Boateng commits to transforming UMaT into the "MIT of Africa."
- Plans to establish a commercialization unit to boost revenue and financial independence.
- Initiatives to increase female participation in STEM through scholarships and mentorship programs.
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Professor Bernard Kumi Boateng, has committed to positioning the university among Africa’s leading technology institutions, with an ambitious vision to transform UMaT into the “MIT of Africa.”
During his investiture ceremony, Professor Kumi Boateng explained that his strategic vision is rooted in a comprehensive assessment of the university’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.
He emphasized that the transformation will be guided by strategic priorities aimed at fostering holistic, accountable, and sustainable growth for UMaT.
A central focus of his administration is ensuring financial sustainability. Professor Boateng highlighted that UMaT’s heavy reliance on government funding, which has experienced an average shortfall of about 25 percent from 2021 to 2025, limits the university’s strategic independence. To counter this, he revealed plans to establish a dedicated commercialization unit to generate revenue through research, consultancy services, and the utilization of the university’s physical assets.
Addressing students directly, the Vice-Chancellor underscored that academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with discipline, professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect. He pledged to enhance the overall student experience while tackling challenges such as low postgraduate enrollment, limited international exchange opportunities, and gender imbalance—where female students currently make up only about 24 percent of the student body.
To promote greater female participation in STEM fields, Professor Boateng announced initiatives including targeted scholarships, mentorship programs, and inclusive learning strategies aimed at encouraging more women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
