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Wittenborg IAAP Member Honoured with African Excellence Award

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-iaap-member-honoured-african-excellence-award.htm

Professor Ben Honyenuga Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Technical and Vocational Education

Professor Ben Honyenuga, a member of Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences’ International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP), has received the African Excellence Award at the closing ceremony of the 7th Pan African Youth Forum and the 2025 Annual Conference of the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa (ATUPA). The event was held in Durban, South Africa, and recognised individuals who have made outstanding contributions to technical and vocational education across the continent.

Honyenuga, who is Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University (HTU) in Ghana, described the honour as a strong motivation to continue his work in education and leadership.

“The award provides further motivation for me to do more for my university, Ho Technical University, and all the other universities that I am associated with, as well as for my country, Ghana, and Africa as a whole,” he said. “Because the Association of Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Africa has several members—roughly over 400—it also encourages me to do more on transnational education, the education across borders, including the work that I do at Wittenborg. I am sure it will also encourage me to look beyond my own environment and contribute my quota to developing other environments, especially when it comes to education.”

Reflecting on his professional journey, Honyenuga highlighted more than two decades of service in technical and vocational education. He has held senior leadership roles, including his current position as Vice-Chancellor, and has contributed to continental initiatives such as serving on the board of ATUPA and helping to shape the 2024 to 2028 Strategic Plan for the Association for the Development of Education in Africa.

As a member of Wittenborg’s IAAP, Honyenuga, who holds a PhD in Management from the Open University of the Netherlands and brings extensive experience in higher education leadership and policy development, said the award strengthens his commitment to supporting the business school’s international ambitions. He explained that being part of a panel of professors from around the world allows them to share ideas, discuss global challenges, and recommend solutions. 

“This recognition makes me more humble and determined to work with my colleagues to advance Wittenborg’s ambition of becoming the number one international university of applied sciences everywhere, while bringing my experience from Africa to add to the mix,” he said.

Honyenuga added that the award naturally strengthens Wittenborg’s global mission.

“Having been recognised among my peers in Africa and working alongside colleagues from around the world, you cannot separate the award from the work I do here. My contribution extends beyond my immediate environment to the wider international community.” 

WUP 23/09/2025 
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press 

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