As Ghanaians from all walks of life mourn the passing of Alhaji Mohammed Nuru Deen Jawula, the University of Professional Studies wishes to place on record his stellar contributions to the growth and development of the University.
Alhaji Jawula, founding Director of the Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership at UPSA, died on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the age of 73 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America, after a short illness.
As Director of the Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership (OCTL), he was instrumental in the University’s ambition to reform the institution of chieftaincy in Ghana.
Ahaji Jawula, with his traditional leadership experience, organised a number of seminars and training workshops to enhance the capacities of chiefs in managing issues within in their communities.
Under his leadership, the OCTL programmes became one of the most sought after by chiefs, queen mothers, traditional administrators and staff of traditional councils and authorities in Ghana.
He also attracted experienced resource persons for the Centre’s training programs, including Nana Kobina Nketsia IV, Omanhene of Essikado, and Justice Alan Brobbey, a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, among others.
Alhaji Jawula also chaired the committee that established UPSA’s Annual Leadership Lecture series, as well as several high-profile campus committees.
Outside academia, he served as Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) from 1997 to 2001.
He also served as Chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee and the Ghana Premier League Organizing Committee until his death.
At one point in his long career, he was also the Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance.
Prior to his demise, he was the Lepowura of the Kujolobito Gate of Lepo-Kpembe in the Northern Region.
Alhaji Jawula was laid to rest in the USA on Sunday, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Lepowura M. N. D. Jawula joined UPSA in 2014 as the first Director of the Otumfuo Centre for Traditional Leadership (OCTL).
The Centre was established to provide a platform for an institutionalised training programme for traditional leaders that would enhance their capacity to lead and manage their resources effectively and sustainably.
MND Jawula was an exemplary leader and had a special charisma. As a fundraiser, he secured financial assistance to support traditional leaders from less
endowed traditional areas to participate in the OCTL training workshops.
As a resource person, his area of expertise was conflict resolution, and he offered useful skills to equip the traditional leaders with knowledge and tact in settling disputes and managing conflicts.
After the end of his tenure as the Director of the OTCL, Alhaji Jawula continued to avail himself of the services of the Centre and the University in general.
May Allah grant him eternal rest.
