The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) is demanding an apology from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, following his comment on the Book and Research Allowances (BRA).
The Vice Chancellor at a public lecture called for an abolition of the allowances.
At the event organised by the SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Prof Kwansah-Aidoo proposed a replacement with an application-based research fund.
But UTAG in a statement expressed its disappointment 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 statement read.
UTAG explained thar, the BRA is not only used for scholarly publications, as suggested by the Vice Chancellor.
The remarks therefore according to the Association were ‘sneering’ and disheartening noting that “such significant remarks were made with a limited understanding of what the BRA is used for.”
“We find his comments as coming from a place of disdain and a depiction of a long-standing culture of some academics climbing to the top and turning back to remove the very ladder that led them there. His statement that he does not know what academics do with the BRA is condescending, distasteful, and pretentious, to say the least,” it added.
The statement signed by National Secretary, Eliasu Mumuni noted that, the allowance is also crucial in supporting the academic pursuits and professional development of its members, and in promoting a culture of research excellence within universities.
They stressed that, the Vice Chancellor’s proposal to abolish the BRA is based on a limited understanding of research activities.
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Read UTAG’s full statement below: