Profile of Rev. Professor Emmanuel Adow Obeng
Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng a distinguished minister of the gospel, scholar, mentor, researcher and administrator.
He received a B.A. (Hons.) Ed. with specialization in Religious Studies and Education in 1974 from the University of Cape Coast. In 1977, he was awarded a Master of Theology degree with specialization in New Testament Studies from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He was also awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament Studies from the same University in 1981. By this achievement, he became the first Ghanaian who was not a minister of the Gospel to hold a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament Studies.
After completing his Doctoral studies at the University of Aberdeen in 1981, he briefly taught at the University of Cape Coast and later moved to the University of Ilorin, Nigeria from 1982 to 1990 and Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya from 1990 to 1997 where he was promoted to full Professorship in New Testament Studies in 1996. He returned to teach at the University of Cape Coast in 1997.
In his career, Rev. Prof. Obeng has held all academic positions in the University – Head of Department, Vice Dean, Dean, Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. He was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast from 2001-2008 – the first alumnus Vice-Chancellor of the University. As Vice Chancellor, he is credited with, among other things, the phenomenal development and growth in student numbers, massive infrastructural development, expansion of faculties/departments and introduction of new programs including the establishment of the School of Medical Sciences, development of ICT infrastructure, growth and expansion of the Centre for Continuing Education, projection of the University’s reputation as a centre of excellence, promotion of academic quality, vigorous support for students’ welfare and effective enforcement of discipline on the University campus.
Rev. Prof. Obeng has served on various Boards and Committees notably, National Theatre Board (1998 – 2003), National Council for Tertiary Education (2002 – 2007), Executive Board of the Association of African Universities (2005 – 2009), Executive Committee of the Commonwealth University Study Abroad Consortium (2006 – 2008). In addition, he has chaired or been a member of several University Boards and Committees. He has served as External Examiner to a number of Universities in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana.
He has won various awards including the Bruce and Fraser Award of the University of Aberdeen (1975-1977), Order of Volta of the Republic of Ghana (Companion Division) in 2007 for contribution to the field of Higher Education. In 2012, he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters,(D. Litt, Honoris Causa) from the University of Cape Coast and a Doctors Honoris from the University of Aberdeen (UK) in 2013 for academic scholarship and leadership.
Rev. Prof. Obeng has published extensively in international journals. He has also authored chapters in books as well as edited books. He has attended and presented papers at many local and international conferences. His publications and presentations are on Biblical Studies, Religious Studies and Quality Assurance Issues in Higher Education in Africa.
Currently, he has thirty-three (33) years experience at the university level.
Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and is married with two adult sons.