On Friday, March 17, 2025, the outgoing Registrar of Bolgatanga Technical University, Zangu-Rana Ibrahim. D. Yakubu,
bid farewell to the staff of the Registry after a remarkable service of almost 20 years to the University. Having been
the first substantive Secretary and Registrar at the institution when it was still a Polytechnic, he later became the first
Registrar after the institution transitioned into a Technical University in 2020. His tenure officially concluded in
December 2024, but his compulsory retirement at the age of 60 will take effect in August 2025.
Addressing the staff, the outgoing registrar expressed his sincere gratitude for the support and cooperation he had received throughout his career. He noted that his work was made possible through the assistance from the dedicated staff of the Registry. He expressed pride in his achievements and spoke of the growth of the university’s administrative team. Reflecting on his early years, he recalled how, when he first started in 2005, there were no senior members in the administration.
He, however, noted that over the years, through persistence and encouragement, he had helped build a capable team that now includes three Deputy Registrars, Senior Assistant Registrars, and Assistant Registrars, among others. He assured the staff that his departure would not affect the university’s operations, given the wealth of experience and expertise within the team.
He also encouraged the staff to continue to demonstrate the same level of commitment and dedication they had shown when the institution was first established. The outgoing registrar took the opportunity to address the issue of workers lateness to work, urging staff to change their attitudes to support the growth and success of the university.
Handing Over
The ceremony continued with the formal handing over of office. Zangu-Rana I.D. Yakubu officially passed on his notes to the senior-most deputy registrar, Mr. Richard A. Atiah, who was appointed by the outgoing governing council to act as the Acting Registrar until a substantive registrar is appointed.
After handing over the notes, the outgoing registrar urged the staff to extend their full support to Mr. Atiah in his interim role. He acknowledged that Mr. Atiah would face many challenges in his new position but advised him to remain focused, fair, and firm in executing his duties.
Mr. Atiah, in turn, paid a heartfelt tribute to the former registrar. He expressed gratitude for the mentorship he had received over the years, which had played a pivotal role in his own professional development. He highlighted the outgoing registrar’s passion for mentoring, strong work ethic, and genuine concern for employee welfare. He wished that the outgoing registrar could have had the opportunity to serve for another four years but acknowledged that the constitutional limits must be respected. Mr. Atiah assured the staff that he would continue to seek the outgoing registrar’s guidance when needed and wished him all the best in his future endeavours.
Tributes from Staff
The farewell ceremony concluded with staff members taking turns to pay tribute to the outgoing registrar, highlighting how he had positively impacted their lives and careers. Many of them fondly recalled the humorous moments they shared with him and his approachable nature. His signature phrase, “Can you imagine?” became a memorable part of his legacy, resonating throughout the campus and in the hearts of all who worked with him.
Zangu-Rana I.D. Yakubu’s tenure at Bolgatanga Technical University will be remembered not only for his leadership and contributions but also for his mentorship, sense of humour, and the lasting impact he made on the institution and its community at large.