By: Peter MARTEY AGBEKO, (APR)
In the bustling heart of Accra, Ghana, a visionary leader is redefining the landscape of higher education.
Professor Fred McBagonluri, President and Provost of Academic City University College (ACC), embodies a remarkable fusion of engineering prowess, inventive genius, and literary talent.
His journey from a curious child in La Bawaleshie to an influential educator and innovator is a testament to resilience, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He is a member of APSU class of 1988.
Born on August 18, 1970, in La Bawaleshie, East Legon District, Ghana, Fred was the second of three sons to David Mac-Bagonluri and Patience Mensah.
Raised by his grandmother, who lacked formal education, Fred’s early life was steeped in the values of perseverance and self-belief. His academic journey began at the University Staff Village near the University Hospital in Legon and continued at St. Louis Preparatory School near Wa.
Excelling in his studies, he earned a distinction at Nandom Senior High School and briefly attended St. Augustine’s College in Cape Coast. His thirst for knowledge led him to Central State University in Ohio, USA, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, complemented by a minor in Applied Mathematics.
Furthering his education, Fred obtained a Master of Science in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the University of Dayton.
His academic pursuits culminated with an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), equipping him with a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen.
Fred’s professional odyssey is as diverse as it is impressive. In the United States, he held pivotal roles, including Vice President of New Product Development at Joerns Healthcare in Texas and Worldwide Director of R&D for Hypodermic Injection Systems at Becton Dickinson & Co., a Fortune 500 company.
His tenure at these organizations was marked by significant contributions to computer-aided design, artificial intelligence, and 3D data processing, resulting in over 40 patents and patent applications, with over 20 issued patents.
Notably, Fred was a finalist for the NASA Astronaut Candidate Corps in 2009, underscoring his exceptional capabilities and nearly making him the first African in space.
He also led a team at Siemens Healthcare that delivered the first direct consumer medical product designed and manufactured using digital manufacturing protocols. His pioneering work has contributed to over $250M in new market developments.
He was a 2009 NASA Astronaut Corp Candidate Finalist, a Recipient of the 2008 NJ Biz Innovator Hero Award, and in 2024, he was inducted into the Virginia Tech Academy of Engineering Excellence—an honour given to only 179 out of 179,000 Virginia Engineering graduates.
Fred’s groundbreaking contributions include leading the team that deployed the first digitally designed and manufactured medical device.
His innovations in digital manufacturing, advanced digitally-designed hearing instruments, and the development of the Pediatric Dolphin and Microclimate Systems, as well as a patient lift system, highlight the versatility of his expertise.
Transitioning from industry to academia, Fred returned to Ghana with a vision to revolutionise engineering education.
As the founding Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Ashesi University College, he laid the groundwork for a curriculum that seamlessly integrates theory with practical application. His leadership extended to the Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC), where, as the founding Executive Director, he spearheaded initiatives to support clean technology startups, fostering sustainable development in the region.
The GCIC, one of seven World Bank Climate Innovation Centers, operated with a grant of $17.5M, focusing on creating entrepreneurship opportunities for Ghanaian youth through climate change mitigation strategies and technology development.
Additionally, he has served on a Technical Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, developing science, technology, and innovation policies for the Government of Ghana.
He has also been a member of the research sub-committee on Metrology at the Ghana Standards Authority. His extensive experience has taken him across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, where he has worked and collaborated on groundbreaking projects.
To facilitate early integration of science education into the overall national development agenda, Fred co-founded two STEAM-based elementary and secondary schools: iSTEAMAcademy, TEIMAN near Oyarifa, Accra, and SparX Learning Xperience, Berekuso, Eastern Region.
In 2018, Fred assumed the role of President and Provost at Academic City University College. Under his stewardship, the institution has committed to providing world-class education tailored to the demands of the modern world.
Fred emphasizes the importance of aligning educational outcomes with global needs, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
He also led the university to become the first in Africa to design, develop, and build an electric vehicle, demonstrating his commitment to innovation-driven education.
Beyond his engineering and educational endeavors, Fred is a prolific writer and novelist. His literary works, including Harvest of Jenes, Ultimate Surrender, When Tears Stand Still, A Woman to Marry, and Dusk Recitals, delve into the complexities of human experience, reflecting his deep understanding of societal dynamics.
This blend of technical expertise and artistic expression underscores his multifaceted personality and commitment to exploring diverse avenues of thought.
Fred’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades. In 2008, he was named the Black Engineer of the Year’s Most Promising Scientist and received the New Jersey State Healthcare Business Innovator Hero Award. His influence was further recognized in 2019 when he was listed among the Top 100 Most Influential Personalities from Northern Ghana.
Reflecting on his journey, Fred acknowledges the blend of privilege and adversity that shaped his path.
Raised by his grandmother, he faced challenges that instilled in him resilience and determination to succeed. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that with vision and perseverance, one can transcend circumstances to achieve greatness.
As Professor Fred McBagonluri continues to lead Academic City University College, his vision for modern engineering education in Ghana remains steadfast.
By integrating practical skills with theoretical knowledge, he aims to cultivate a new generation of engineers poised to drive innovation and development.
His journey from a young dreamer in La Bawaleshie to a distinguished educator and innovator exemplifies the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of the human spirit.
The post Fred McBagonluri: The Engineer, innovator, and storyteller shaping the future appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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