‘Common Sense’ is better than a PhD– Legon Vice-Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, whose tenure of office ends in August this year has stated that acquiring and applying common sense is more important than possessing a PhD.

In an interview on Radio Univers’ Campus Exclusive on Monday, Professor Ernest Aryeetey took the opportunity to address issues in the University of Ghana. He stated that, though a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is important, one needs common sense in managing institutions or dealing with politicians as a manager of an academic institution.

‘Common sense mostly…Common sense and courage…that is all. A PhD is always important but common sense is the most important. You need enough common sense to assess what the student is telling you. You need enough common sense to go into an academic board meeting and debate issues. You need enough common sense to deal with politicians.’

He emphasized the application of common sense in determining what is good and bad for an academic community such as the University of Ghana.

‘By common sense, you are guided by knowing the difference between right and wrong, the difference between good and bad. You have that sense to do it. There is nothing that you’ll need to worry about.’

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest was earlier this month appointed to the Governing Council of the United Nations University. He was part of twelve (12) members appointed to serve on the governing council for terms of either three or six years.