Prof Ernest Aryeetey at the graduation ceremony. Credit: SU
Stellenbosch University (SU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on Prof Ernest Aryeetey at its December graduation. He received the degree Doctor of Commerce (DCom), honoris causa, on December 8, 2022 at an in-person graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.
The former Director of the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER, 2002 - 2010) was honoured for his discerning and innovative leadership in the higher education sector in Africa, his commitment to creating platforms to build research and innovation capacity on the continent, and for sharing his expertise through his scholarly contributions.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Aryeetey thanked SU for the honorary degree and said he is under no illusion about its significance. “I'm very much touched by the gesture and I'm very happy for the recognition of the work that we are all doing together in this region. I believe the importance of it will resonate around the region."
Aryeetey referred to the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and emphasised the important role of higher education institutions in addressing the challenges Africa faces.
“We strongly believe that in order to attain the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa needs to change the way it manages its economies. The only way you can do this change is by building the knowledge systems you require for that, and also using these more effectively."
He lauded SU for contributing much more to ARUA than was expected at the beginning.
Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER congratulated Prof. Aryeetey saying “We acknowledge Prof. Ernest Aryeetey for his continued and relentless contributions to advancing research and higher education at ISSER, Ghana, and Africa. We thank Stellenbosch University for this recognition which is truly well-deserved.”
“We are proud of our continued association with you.”
Read the original article, titled SU honorary degree for Ghanaian higher education giant, on the SU website.
