By KINGSLEY LARBI (Rev. Prof.)
ddWhen I look back at the pivotal transitions in my life, I now see clearly that God was weaving a much larger tapestry than I could perceive in the moment.
In Chapter 40 of my book Born to Win, I share a deeply personal journey, one marked by disappointment, but also by destiny.
After what I still consider one of the most difficult professional experiences of my life, my sudden recall from Central University College, I found myself standing at a painful crossroads.
But from that very point of pain came the vision that gave birth to Regent University College of Science and Technology.
Central University Was My Ministry—Until It Wasn’t
I want to be clear: I never set out to establish a university while working at Central University College. Anyone who knows me knows how deeply focused and committed I am to the work at hand.
At Central, I gave my all, I took the institution as my personal ministry. I had no time or even interest in setting up a rival institution. Until the day I was removed.
Even in the wake of that event, one I still regard as a grave governance error, I felt God’s prompting. I knew in my spirit that accepting the recall would have ended my purpose prematurely. And so, I began to seek His face more deeply.
The options before me were twofold: either join the Church of Pentecost to support their newly emerging university, or venture out and build something new from scratch.
The easier option would have been to join Pentecost University. I even had preliminary discussions, and they prepared an office for me at the Sowutuom campus. But the delays in setting up that office gave me the clarity I needed.
A respected elder advised me to consider going forward with what God had placed on my heart. That advice was divine confirmation.
The Birth of Regent University: A Vision Comes Alive
As I began reflecting, praying, and planning, I felt an indescribable energy surge within me. The more I considered starting my own university, the more excited and joyful I became. I soon drafted the first brochure for the new institution. When it came time to name it, I consulted with close friends and finally settled on: Regent University College of Science and Technology.
That moment felt like a box of gold had been dropped into my lap. The name, the vision, the mission, it all became crystal clear. And so, in 2003, with fewer than 50 students, limited resources, and unshakable faith, we opened our doors.
Within just three years, we secured accreditation from the National Accreditation Board (now GTEC). By God’s grace, Regent began to flourish. Today, we have trained and graduated over 10,000 students, many of whom are now leaders and professionals across Africa, Europe, and North America.
A Financial Footprint Built by Faith and Sacrifice
Starting Regent was not just a spiritual assignment, it was a financial mountain. Our initial capital, mostly from tuition, private contributions, and my own investments, was estimated at around ₵2 million (about $200,000 at the time). Every cedi spent felt like a seed of faith.
Fast forward to 2023, Regent’s annual operating budget stands at over ₵25 million (approx. $2 million). We now employ more than 200 staff members, and our programs span technology, theology, business, and entrepreneurship. We’ve attracted grants exceeding $1.2 million from international donors like DAAD (Germany) and the Carnegie Corporation.
Governance, Injustice, and the Hand of God
Let me be honest, how I was removed from Central still hurts. I consider it one of the worst examples of poor corporate governance I’ve ever seen. Yet, even in that painful process, I now recognize the sovereign hand of God.
At the time, I couldn’t see it. But today, I can say with the Apostle Joseph: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many lives” (Genesis 50:20). The Lord used that moment to launch me into another assignment that would change even more lives. I now understand that ICGC, where I transitioned next, was a divine detour. It was there I led the Ministerial Training Institute, preparing for what would ultimately become Regent University.
A Final Word of Gratitude and Purpose
As I was writing my handover notes in 2003, I reflected deeply on all that God had done. Central University had grown into Ghana’s leading private university, creating opportunity for thousands. I am grateful for every life touched, every lesson learned, and every storm weathered.
I’m also deeply thankful to Dr. Mensa Otabil for creating space for me at ICGC, where my ministry continued to flourish. His decision blessed thousands.
And to everyone who stood by me during those uncertain days, I say thank you. Your sacrifices, faith, and belief in my calling made Regent possible.
Conclusion
My story in Chapter 40 is not just about founding a university, it’s about discovering that purpose is often born through pressure. When the door at Central University closed, I thought my journey was ending. But God had another door ready, Regent.
And it was not just a door for me, but for thousands of students whose lives are now transformed through our work.
In a nation where over 450,000 students seek university education each year and only a fraction gain admission into public institutions, the role of purpose-driven private universities like Regent cannot be overstated.
