In a grand ceremony, Mrs. Lydia Mamata Millar was conferred with a honorary doctorate degree by the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies and Broos Institute for Afrocentric Studies and Research. Apexnewsgh reports
This prestigious award recognizes her illustrious 38-year professional career and tireless dedication to promoting education at all levels in Ghana.
Born in 1960 in Navrongo, Ghana, to Madam Cathrine Kouchogba Falli and Mr. Bawah Tei, Mrs. Millar is the second of several children. Her academic journey began at United Middle School in Tamale in 1965. She later attended Navrongo Secondary School, completing her secondary education in 1979.
Mrs. Millar’s passion for education led her to pursue further studies at the Tamale Polytechnic, where she completed her catering courses in 1982 and 1987. Her academic achievements paved the way for her employment with the Ghana Education Service, and she was posted to the Bolgatanga Secondary School.
Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. Millar has demonstrated unwavering commitment to education and community development. Her contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The honorary doctorate degree conferred upon Mrs. Millar is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for education. The Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies is honored to recognize her achievements and celebrate her contributions to the field of education.
As highlighted in her citation, Mrs. Millar’s academic journey took her to the University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi campus, where she earned a diploma in catering in 2004. Her dedication to her profession led to steady promotions, culminating in her retirement in 2020 as a Chief Domestic Bursar, the highest rank in her field.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Millar demonstrated exceptional leadership and a passion for providing nutritious meals to school children. Her commitment to her work left a lasting impact on every school she was posted to, earning her the respect of her peers, secondary school administrators, and national educational authorities.
In addition to her professional achievements, Mrs. Millar has also made significant contributions to her community. She was elected as the foundation treasurer for the National Association of Metros and Business, a position she held for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2010. Her transformational leadership style and ethical approach earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues, leading to her election as national president of the association from 2010 to 2016.
The seeds of this achievement were sown in 1990 when Mrs. Millar, without her husband’s knowledge, used her personal funds to acquire a plot of land. Upon her husband, Professor David Miller’s return to Ghana in 1992, she persuaded him to join her in transforming the land into a thriving institution. Today, the Millar Institute stands as a testament to their shared vision and dedication.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Millar has made significant contributions to the establishment and growth of the Institute. Notably, she paid the first institutional accreditation fee of 40,000 cedis, a remarkable gesture that underscores her commitment to excellence. As the Institute celebrates its 10th anniversary, Mrs. Millar’s legacy serves as a shining example of her life-long social investments and dedication to education.
One notable example of her philanthropy is the construction of a 50-bed capacity student hostel in the Upper West region. This gesture helped alleviate the acute accommodation crisis faced by students and staff at the University for Development Studies (UDS) campus. Furthermore, Mrs. Millar provided free accommodation to students from poor backgrounds, demonstrating her commitment to promoting access to tertiary education for all, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Mrs. Millar’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to addressing challenges led her to establish a restaurant, popularly known as the “Bush Canteen,” on the UDS campus. This initiative provided decent and affordable meals for students, with those from poor backgrounds occasionally receiving free meals to support their survival on campus.
In 2020, Mrs. Millar also contributed to the expansion of educational infrastructure in her village in the Upper West region by constructing a kindergarten classroom. This gesture significantly enhanced access to education and kept children engaged in a conducive learning environment.
Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Millar has sponsored numerous individuals, both family members and non-family members, to pursue various levels of education, including primary, secondary, and tertiary. Her selfless contributions have transformed lives, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
For over three decades, Mrs. Millar has demonstrated unwavering compassion and kindness, particularly towards the mentally challenged and street children in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Every festive occasion since 1989 has seen her selflessly cooking for these individuals, ensuring they feel seen and cared for.
Her philanthropic efforts extend to her role as a foundation board member of the St. John Special School in Navrongo, where she has provided cash and in-kind donations to support the school’s needs. Her commitment to education and the well-being of vulnerable populations is truly inspiring.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Millar has showcased her exceptional culinary skills, establishing a reputable restaurant in 2002. Her restaurant has earned several awards, including Best Restaurant for the years 2003, 2004, and 2005. Even in retirement, she continues to receive invitations for catering services, often providing them for free.
As a successful entrepreneur, Mrs. Millar has also invested in a guideline, earning her the prestigious Best National Dealer Award in two categories in 2014. Her dedication to mentoring and training young girls in the culinary arts has had a lasting impact on her community.
In her retirement, Mrs. Millar has found joy in parenting her grandchildren, embracing her role as a traditional grandmother with passion and delight. Her selflessness, kindness, and contributions to humanity have earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her.
In recognition of her remarkable life’s work, the Academic Board and Governing Council of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies and the Bros Institute of the Netherlands confer upon Mrs. Lydia Mamata Millar a conjoint honorary doctorate degree.
This honor celebrates her lifetime of service, dedication, and commitment to promoting access to education and supporting vulnerable populations.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
