Who Is Joshua Alabi?

The young generation knows him as a consummate academician who transformed then Diploma awarding Institute of Professional Studies, into a full-fledged university now named University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

Those of the older generation tout his enviable record in politics and public office even before his well-lived life in the field of academia.

The man who imparted knowledge to many in diverse fields such as politics, academia and public service, is the immediate past Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Joshua Alabi.

Following his exit from UPSA after serving for a long time as head of that institution; a Columnist, Charles Nii Ayiku, chronicled the life achievements of Prof Alabi in all spheres of his 59 years on planet earth.

With over twenty-five (25) years of professional practice, Prof. Alabi has held a number of international, national, institutional and administrative positions. Now let’s get to know Professor Alabi as told in several publications locally and internationally.
About Professor Joshua Alabi.

Prof. Joshua Alabi is an Economist by training and a Marketer by Profession, who was born on 1st March, 1958. He obtained an MSc. in Industrial Economics from Moscow Institute of National Economy now Russian University of Economics (Plekhanov) in 1986 and an MSc. in International Marketing from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland in 1992, where he was awarded the Moshood Abiola Prize in International Marketing.

Prof. Alabi rose through the ranks as Lecturer, Founding Head of the Marketing Department of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (1987 to 1990, 1993 -1997, 2001-2003), and Dean of Faculty of Management Studies (2003 to 2005), Pro-Rector (2005 to April 2008).

Then he became the Acting Rector (April 2008 to December 2008), and the substantive Rector (January 2009 to September 2012). He also chaired several committees at the University level. He later became the first Vice-Chancellor of the University from September 2012 to 31stDecember 2016.

Prof. Joshua Alabi’s contribution to national development, education and the transformation of UPSA has been recognized and celebrated by many.

On 29th October 2016, Then President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama awarded Prof. Alabi the “Officer of the Order of the Volta” a National award recognizing his contributions to the transformation of UPSA and other national contributions.

In July 2015, Prof. Alabi received another award from the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) in recognition of his contributions towards transforming the former Institute of Professional Studies to a fully-fledged University, and for his excellent performance in the financial landscape.

The All-Africa Students Union in 2013 celebrated him as the Africa Vice-Chancellor of the year for 2013.

In 2012, IMANI Ghana, a policy and accountability think-tank, also recognizing his contributions to the phenomenal change of the University of Professional Studies, Accra named him the Most Influential Public Sector Leader for the year 2012.

That same year (2012), the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) awarded him the Marketing Man of the Year, the highest professional recognition in this field.

At the national level, Prof. Alabi has contributed as follows;
• Chairman for the Board of Trustees for Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

• Chairman of the Board of Directories - HFC Bank in Ghana.

• Chairman of the Ghana Book Development Council

• Chairman of Governing Council of the Accra Polytechnic

• Member of Ghana National Commission for UNESCO as well as Chairman of the Social Science Committee of UNESCO Commission of Ghana, from May 2009 to 2014.

• Member of the Governing Council of University of Professional Studies, from 2001-31st December, 2016.

In politics:
• Professor Alabi was a Member of Parliament for the Krowor Constituency in the Greater Accra Region from 1997 to 2001.

• Minister of State for the Greater Accra and Northern Regions between 1997 and 2001.

• Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) political party for the Greater Accra Region from 2001- 2005

• A member of the Business Committee of Parliament (1997-2001)

• A member of the Parliamentary select Committee of Food and Agriculture (1997-2001)

• Chairman of the Regional Security Council for the Greater Accra and Northern Regions (1997-2001)

At the International level, Prof. Alabi was:

• A Member of the Group of Experts of the Executive Board of UNESCO (Paris) in September 2011,

• Member of the Executive Committee and Chairs the West Africa Region of the International Association of University Presidents, from June 2011 to date.

In the field of sports, Prof. Alabi has handled the following portfolios:

• General Secretary, Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) from March 1994 to April 1997.

• Member, Ghana Football Association’s Management Board (GFA) from 1994-1997.

• Coordinator, Ghana Black Stars Management Committee, from August 1994 to April 1997.

Additionally, Prof. Alabi has managed countless number of international and national projects successfully and is the Founder and current Board Chairman of the Consumer Advocacy Centre (CAC), Ghana; an Affiliate Member of the Consumers International (Cl) and a Member of the Federation of Consumer Organization (FCO) in 115 countries.

He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) and a fellow of the Ghana Institute of Taxation.

Another interesting thing about Professor Joshua Alabi is that, he did not need to know your father nor godfather before he considered you in his scheme of things. You just needed to prove to him that you are hard-working and you will be part of his team.

Supportive Wife

It is true when it is said that behind every success man is a woman. Professor Mrs Goski Alabi can be described as a supportive wife who has been with Professor Joshua Alabi through thick and thin to make UPSA what it is today.

According to Professor Joshua Alabi, Professor Goski suffered a lot of humiliation because of him, “She was attacked and called all sorts of names because of me…” Professor Alabi added.

Professor Goski has been the pillar of strength to the Prof Alabi. She is indeed special to Professor Joshua Alabi. Professor Goski was duly acknowledged and praised by Professor Joshua Alabi at the special thanksgiving service in honor of Prof Alabi