KUFUOR HONOURED BY OXFORD'S EXETER COLLEGE

Thursday, 20 September 2001

President John Agyekum Kufuor was on Wednesday honoured by the Exeter College of Oxford University with a college crest and a flying tie on his election as the President of Ghana.

Professor Marlilyn Butler, Rector of the College presented the honour to President Kufuor, an Alumnus of the college.

President Kufuor visited the College as part of his one-week visit to Britain.

Professor Butler said it is an honour for the College that a past graduate, should be elected to such a high position in a country that has been a torch-bearer in Africa.

President Kufuor studied Philosophy, Political Science and Economics at the College between 1962-64.

Mr Christopher Kirwan, a former lecturer in Philosophy and President Kufuor's tutor, was overwhelmed by his presence said "it is a great privilege to teach a head of state."

He said President Kufuor, the only Ghanaian among the 16 students at that time, was a good and brilliant student who had great affection for mankind.

"President Kufuor had the ability to achieve great heights, a good student, an intellectual who had an important future", he added.

President Kufuor who went into the college as a law student in the first year changed his course because "I felt I would need everything in terms of studies to achieve my objective in life." He said he had to change the course to understand the nature of man to enable him serve his country better. "The course was packaged in a manner that made the student think in a holistic way". President Kufuor said all problems have many facets and the lecturers helped the students to have the minds to tackle problems in a special manner.

Dr. Jonathan G.C Snicker, head of the Development Office took the President round the college.