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INTERVIEW WITH MR. MIGUEL FRANCISCO RIBEIRO: THE FIRST COLLEGE REGISTRAR OF THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

Introduction

In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Mr. Miguel Francisco Ribeiro, the inaugural College Registrar of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana at his residence in New Achimota, Accra. With a wealth of experience in administration and a passion for education, Mr. Ribeiro shared his journey, challenges, and achievements, offering valuable insights into the world of academic administration.

1. Early Life, Education and Work Background

Q: Can you share a brief overview of your background, upbringing, and educational experiences that shaped your professional trajectory?

Ans.: I was born in March, 1943 to strict parents in Accra and spent most of my early days and education also in Accra. My father passed away when I was just 5 years old. I completed my secondary cycle education at Achimota College (now Achimota Senior High School) and then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of Ghana. Furthering my education, I undertook a one-year course in Public Administration at GIMPA and studied at the University of Ile Ife in Nigeria. I hold a master’s degree in administration awarded by the University of California Los Angeles, USA. 

My career began in public service, where I served in various administrative roles, which eventually led me to the University of Ghana. I was employed as a Public Service Administrator at Sunyani for one year and was later posted to Wenchi as a District Administrator. Following my one-year service as a District Administrator, I was transferred to Accra to work as a Secretary also for a period of one year. Throughout these transitions, I gained experience in the area of human resource management. My appointment as an Assistant Registrar to the Medical School of the University was because of a job posting I saw advertised in the Daily Graphic. As an Administrator in the University, I had an upper hand in human resource management areas owing to my previous experiences but was challenged in the areas of academic administration (curriculum development, time-tabling, admissions, etc). 

2. Career Inspiration

Q: ⁠What inspired you to pursue a career in administration, and was there a particular individual or experience that sparked this interest?

Ans.: Initially, I aspired to be a journalist, but my career path shifted towards administration due to my placements after tertiary education. Influential figures like Prof. Emmanuel Badoe and Mr. Christian Gbeho encouraged my transition, instilling values of diligence, integrity, and loyalty.

3. Path to University Administration

Q: Describe your journey to becoming an Administrator at the University of Ghana, highlighting key milestones and pivotal decisions

Ans.: My journey in the area of Administration was inspiring, enlightening and memorable irrespective of the myriad challenges. At Wenchi, I learned some professional ethics and internalized some administrative values that grounded my work ethics. I navigated complex situations with chiefs, using respect, steadfast and integrity. As a Public Servant, I was tactful about the interpretation and implementation of policies instituted by government to residents of Wenchi. I also exhibited the skill of diplomacy while standing firm to my position about the implementation of policies in the midst of difficult chiefs and residents of Wenchi.

4. Key Contributions

Q: Outline significant administrative roles and committees you served on within the University, and elaborate on your contributions, impact, and achievements in these capacities.

Ans.: As the Premier College Registrar of the College, I was secretary to all statutory committees of the College, however, I delegated most of the secretarial duties to other Assistant Registrars. Notable Committees are Academic Board, Advisory Board, Post Graduate Committee and Endowment Fund. 

With assistance from the then Provost, I put together a proposal for the establishment of a Collegiate System titled “From Faculties to Colleges, Crafting a Shared Vision for the University of Ghana”.

I also worked closely with the Provost and Dr. Mary Opare of the School of Nursing to set up the administrative unit and finally migrate the School of Nursing to a constitute school the College of Health Sciences. 

I developed rules and regulations regarding admission requirements, terms and conditions for students to comply with when offered scholarship by the Endowment Fund of the College. 

5. Notable Achievements

Q: What do you consider your most notable achievements during your tenure as College Registrar of the College of Health Sciences?

Ans.: Establishing the first College of Health Sciences was a key achievement, especially amid resistance from internal staff and financial constraints. The objective for the establishment of a College was to regulate administrative affairs and disburse funds needed by other Schools. Together with the Provost, we have set the pace and laid a solid foundation for others to develop upon. 

I worked closely with some schools and departments for the establishment of the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research. Most of the administrative work was done by me, which included the procurement and receiving donation of workstations, cabinets and stationery from other Schools. I also wrote a proposal for the establishment of the College of Agriculture. 

Another significant achievement is the constitution of the endowment fund to offer financial assistance to students and seeking financial assistance from organizations and individuals such as the World Health Organization, National Council for Tertiary Education, Mr. Charles Mensa and Mr. Sam Okudzeto to run the College Administration.

6. Challenges Faced

Q: What were some of the most significant challenges you faced as College Registrar, and how did you overcome them?

Ans.: The challenges I encountered during my tenure as College Registrar were enormous and magnificent. The idea of the establishment of a Collegiate System was conceptualized by the University of Ghana Medical School, and as such did not receive much support from other schools and departments. “There was an issue of power struggle where some schools were not willing to relinquish their administrative powers and share their facilities and amenities for use by other schools/institute”.

The major hinderance could be attributed to financial constraints. The College did not receive financial assistance from the University to operate and implement some its activities and such, the Provost and I had to seek for funds from external sponsors to support the operations of the College. 

In addition, the various leadership hierarchies at the University and School level made it challenging, “the College was nick-named the Ayettey-Ribeiro College of Health Sciences”. Documents that were to be processed at the College level were forwarded directly to the Central Administration of the University. ‘At a point in time, the College became a mini post office’. 

7. Mentorship

Q: Identify key individuals who serve as mentors, inspirations, or motivators throughout your administrative journey.

Ans.: The four (4) key individuals who inspired me throughout my administrative journey in the University were, Mr. Christian Gbeho, Mrs. Deborah Boafo, Prof. Silas Dodoo and Prof. Emmanuel Badoe. ‘Mr. Christian Gbeho gave me the best training as an Administrator and urged me to be diligent, loyal, conscientious, and show respect while standing my grounds”. 

8. Impact on Others

Q: List some few mentees you groomed during your period in the University.

Ans.: I may not be able to recollect all mentees, however, those that come in mind include Prof. Andrew Anthony Adjei, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo and postgraduate students whom I offered scholarships, guidance and counselling to pursue their career ambitions as Lecturers. 

9. Milestones in College History

Q: What significant events, milestones, or memories stand out in the College's history during your tenure?

Ans.: Some significant events and milestones that stand out are the development of a Post-graduate scheme and the Endowment Fund. 

10. Advice for Future Administrators

Q: What advice would you offer to current and future College Administrators?

Ans.: I will advise both current and future Administrators in the College to be steadfast, diligent, confident, humble and loyal to the institution. They should work hard towards their career development, explore opportunities outside the norm, and seek assistance form Senior and Junior colleagues. Administrators should write papers, proposals and publications needed to meet promotion requirements in the University. Additionally, they should minimize administrative cost, improve quality of work output and engage staff to be efficient and productive. 

11. Future Plans

Q: As you look to the future, what plans or aspirations do you have?

Ans.: I am completely devoted to my family and as such look forward to offering assistance, counselling and guidance to family members. 

12. Parting Words

Q: Do you have any parting words or messages for the College of Health Sciences community?

Ans.: I wish the College continued success in all its endeavours.

13. Family Life

Q: Please tell us something about your nuclear family

Ans.: I am married to my childhood sweetheart, Mrs. Belinda Ribeiro, who I met during my senior cycle education at Achimota Senior High School. We are graciously blessed with four (4) boys and a girl, all of whom have secured jobs in various world of works in Ghana and the USA. Together, we have ten (10) grandchildren. 

 

The Team from the InFocus Newsletter is eternally grateful to Mr. M. F. Ribeiro for welcoming us into his house and spending his precious time to share his wealth of knowledge and insights with us. The InFocus Newsletter Team that interacted with Mr. Miguel Francisco Ribeiro are: Prof. Kwadwo Ameyaw Korsah, Mr. Daniel Asiamah Ameyaw and Ms. Gloria Addae.