The Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC), Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, is being demanded by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) to issue an apology for his remarks on Book and Research Allowances (BRA).
In his address to the public, the vice chancellor advocated for doing away with the allowances.
Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo suggested an application-based research fund as a substitute during the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies event.
In a statement, however, UTAG conveyed its dissatisfaction with the Vice Chancellor.
“We call on the Vice Chancellor to apologise to the entire membership of UTAG and, in subsequent pronouncements, engage in constructive dialogue with UTAG to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives, concerns and research efforts of our members,” portions of the February 3 statement read.
UTAG clarified that, contrary to what the Vice Chancellor had claimed, the BRA is not just utilized for academic publishing.
As a result, the Association called the comments “sneering” and depressing, adding that “such significant remarks were made with a limited understanding of what the BRA is used for.”
Eliasu Mumuni, the National Secretary, underlined the importance of the allowance in promoting university research excellence as well as professional and academic progress.
The remark made clear that the Vice Chancellor’s proposal to terminate the BRA is the result of a limited comprehension of research endeavors.
Members think the allowance is essential to helping them achieve their academic and career objectives and that it promotes a culture of excellence in university research.
