Prof J. S. Y. Kuma, during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Ghana, demonstrated strong leadership and managerial skills:

• Motivational Leadership: Prof Kuma effectively motivated the university staff to perform at their best by positively influencing and inspiring them. He emphasized the core values of the university to ensure that both staff and students remained focused on the institution’s vision and mission.
• Advisory Role: As the Chief Advisor to the University Council, Prof Kuma provided valuable guidance on matters related to policy, finance, governance, and administration. His expertise and insights contributed to the effective decision-making process within the institution.
• Committee Leadership: Prof Kuma served as the Chairman of several important committees, such as the Academic Board, Research and Conferences, Scholarships, Development, Budget, and Appointments and Promotions. He skillfully led discussions during meetings, offering policy guidelines and directing conversations toward positive outcomes.
• Continuous Professional Development: Prof Kuma actively sought opportunities to enhance his management and leadership skills by attending management conferences, workshops, and seminars. This commitment to self-improvement reflects his dedication to staying updated on best practices in the field.
• Institutional Experience: With 36 years of experience in the institution, Prof Kuma held various positions, including Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean, and Head of Department. This extensive experience allowed him to proactively influence staff to align with university policies and employ effective tools to achieve positive outcomes.
• Teaching and Supervision: As a lecturer, Prof Kuma taught several courses in Geology, Geophysics, and Hydrogeology at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He also played a significant role in developing the Master’s degree program specializing in groundwater. Through supervising postgraduate students’ thesis research work, he imparted efficient organizational and soft skills to them.
• External Engagements: Prof Kuma served as a member of the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) Board for five (5) and was actively involved in the Academic Committee. Additionally, he held the position of Chairman of Vice Chancellors Ghana, further demonstrating his leadership capabilities within the higher education sector.