The Governing Council of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has appointed Professor Christian Agyare as the university’s next Vice-Chancellor.
His appointment takes effect from August 1, 2026, following approval at the university’s 292nd Special Governing Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Set to become KNUST’s 13th Vice-Chancellor
Professor Agyare will succeed Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, whose four-year tenure officially ends on July 31, 2026.
He becomes the 13th Vice-Chancellor in the history of KNUST since the institution was established in 1951.
Over 25 years of service at KNUST
Professor Agyare currently serves as Provost of the College of Health Sciences and has spent more than 25 years teaching, researching, and holding leadership positions at the university.
A Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, he is internationally recognised for his work in antimicrobial resistance, ethnopharmacology, wound healing, and anticancer drug discovery.
His academic contributions include more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and thousands of citations in international scientific journals.
Strong academic and research background
An alumnus of KNUST, Professor Agyare earned both undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy degrees at the university before pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Münster in Germany.
He also undertook research and postdoctoral engagements in the United States, including work with Novartis and the University of California, San Francisco.
Over the years, he has secured more than $11 million in international research grants from institutions including the World Bank and the Mastercard Foundation.
Led major reforms and innovations
During his time as head of KNUST’s Quality Assurance and Planning Unit between 2016 and 2020, Professor Agyare supervised several institutional reforms, including the introduction of digital systems for staff appraisal and academic supervision.
One notable innovation under his leadership was the rollout of a multifunctional smart ID card system for students and staff, incorporating biometric verification and financial transaction capabilities.
As Provost since 2020, he has overseen the expansion of academic programmes, increased student enrolment, and infrastructure development within the College of Health Sciences.
Advocate for mentorship and inclusion
Beyond his academic work, Professor Agyare is recognised for supporting mentorship and gender inclusion in science and higher education.
He is a Fellow of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Foundation and has consistently advocated greater opportunities for female researchers in STEM fields.
A former student of Prempeh College, Professor Agyare is also a practising pharmacist and active member of the Methodist Church.
His appointment comes as KNUST continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Africa’s leading science and technology universities, with growing focus on research, innovation, and global competitiveness.
