The University of Cape Coast has conferred its inaugural Distinguished Fellow title on Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang (NJOA) in recognition of her contributions to the university, her advocacy for education, and her trailblazing role in leadership.

The honour was presented on Friday, March 13, 2026, during the university’s first Distinguished Fellow Award Ceremony, marking the first time the institution has bestowed the title.

In her acceptance speech, Prof Opoku-Agyemang reflected on Ghana’s long-standing commitment to education, noting that the establishment of tertiary institutions since independence demonstrates the country’s recognition of the transformative power of learning.

She pointed to the founding of the University of Cape Coast by Kwame Nkrumah as a reminder of the country’s investment in educating its people.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang also used the occasion to emphasise the responsibility that comes with higher education, stressing that knowledge acquired through the educational system should contribute to societal progress.

“Higher education is a privilege, and we must ask whether the knowledge we acquire serves the society that made it possible,” she said.

The vice president further called for stronger institutions to support Ghana’s development and urged individuals who have benefited from the country’s education system to give back by contributing to national growth.

She added that national development is an intergenerational responsibility, with each generation expected to strengthen existing systems and contribute to their improvement.

The award ceremony recognised Prof Opoku-Agyemang as one of the university’s distinguished alumna and a former vice-chancellor whose contributions continue to shape education and leadership in Ghana.