Ellis Ferdinand Urges Succession Planning to Curb Dependence on Retired University Lecturers

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Ellis Ferdinand
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ELLIS

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  April 11| Ellis Ferdinand Urges Succession Planning to Curb Dependence on Retired University Lecturers

Ghanaian education blogger Ellis Ferdinand highlights the overreliance on extending retired lecturers’ contracts and recommends structured mentorship, leadership fellowships, and enhanced graduate training to prepare future academic leaders.

 

 Contextual Expertise of Senior Lecturers


On 10 April 2025, Ghanaian education blogger Ellis Ferdinand observed on Facebook that “for lecturers in the universities, it’s almost impossible not to extend their performance contracts after retirement looking at the role they play contextually.” Ferdinand explained that universities routinely rely on retired faculty for their specialized expertise, governance roles, and mentorship of junior academics—a practice that, while ensuring continuity, creates systemic dependency.

Risks of Prolonged Contract Extensions


Ferdinand warned that extending contracts for retired lecturers can delay career progression for younger academics, inflate budgetary allocations for salaries, and hinder pedagogical innovation. He argued that without deliberate succession planning, institutions risk stagnation and weakened capacity to adapt to evolving educational demands.

Structured Mentorship Pipelines


To address these challenges, Ferdinand recommends formal mentorship programs where senior professors systematically train junior lecturers in research leadership, grant writing, and administrative duties. By setting clear timelines for role transitions, universities can ensure that expertise is effectively transferred and that emerging academics are prepared to step into leadership positions.

Leadership Development Fellowships


Ferdinand proposes the creation of fellowships for mid‑career academics to rotate through department chair and dean’s office roles. These fellowships would provide hands‑on administrative experience, equipping candidates with the skills needed to assume governance responsibilities once senior lecturers retire.

Enhanced Graduate Training


Expanding doctoral and postdoctoral opportunities within Ghanaian universities is another key strategy. Ferdinand suggests offering scholarships, research grants, and guaranteed faculty appointments to high‑potential candidates, thereby cultivating a pipeline of qualified academics ready to fill vacancies.

Succession Planning Policies


Each department should develop a five‑year succession plan that identifies potential internal candidates for key positions and outlines their professional development pathways. Ferdinand emphasized that such policies foster transparency and accountability in academic promotions and appointments.

Early Youth Engagement


Finally, Ferdinand calls for partnerships with secondary schools and colleges of education to introduce teaching and research internships. Early exposure to academic careers can inspire undergraduates to pursue higher education teaching roles, ensuring a steady flow of motivated talent into the university system.

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About Ellis Ferdinand


Ellis Ferdinand is a journalist, education blogger, and founder of Ellis Multimedia, which operates EducationGhana.org—Ghana’s leading online education news platform.

A graduate of Accra College of Education and the University of Cape Coast, he holds a Bachelor of Education in Accounting and  an MPhil in Curriculum and Pedagogic Studies at the University of Education, Winneba

. Ferdinand won Blogger of the Year at the 2018 National Students’ Awards and has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to education journalism, including Best Media Promoting Education awards in 2017–2019 and Writer of the Year at the 2021 EDUCOM Awards. He also won blogger of the year at the 2024 EDUCOM Awards, making him the most awarded education blogger in Africa.

 

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