National Research Fund Bill before Parliament to support critical study in tertiary institutions
The National Research Fund Bill is currently before Parliament, the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has announced.
He stated that the government was committed to the establishment of the fund for the sole purpose of funding relevant and sector-specific research work in the institutions of higher learning.
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Dr Prempeh, who was speaking at the swearing-in of a 14-member governing council of the University of Cape Coast in Accra last Tuesday explained that the fund would further provide significant resources for critical research.
“Government is of the strong view that research by our universities is critical for addressing some of our challenges and will continue to ensure that these institutions are adequately resourced and funded to achieve this mandate,” Dr Prempeh stated.
Governing Council members
The 14-member council, with the chairperson as Mrs Nancy O. Campbell Thompson, also has members such as Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah as the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Thomas Agyarko-Poku, a government nominee, Dr Mrs Ernestina Fredua Anto, a government nominee and Dr Taimu Osman also a government nominee.
Others are Prof. Akwasi Kumi-Kyereme representing Convocation (Professorial), Dr Edem K. Bakah Convocation (non-professorial), Dr Eric Opoku-Mensah, University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Mr Joseph Connel, Confederation of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) and Mr Ebenezer Roland K. Ekuban of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU).
The rest are Mr Albert Awortwi Sagoe of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG), Dr Awaisu Imurana Braimah of the Education Commission, a representative from the alumni and Mr Zaki Abdul-Hamid of the Students Representation Council (SRC).
The minister, however, deferred the swearing-in of the representative of the alumni for the appropriate processes to be followed . The TEWU representative was also absent from the swearing-in because of legal issues which were yet to be rectified.
Mandate
Dr Prempeh charged the council to create an environment of equal opportunity for members of the university.
He said that should be done without regard to ethnicity, sex, race, religious belief or political affiliation, reminding them to “make professional level appointments on the recommendation of the Appointment Committee of the Academic Board as may be determined in the statutes of the university.”
Dr Prempeh further charged the 14-member council members that they were required by law to ensure the implementation of the aims of the university, determine the strategic direction and monitor and evaluate policy implementation.
“Additionally, you must promote income-generating activities as part of the university’s programme, control the finances of the university and determine the allocation and proper use of funds.
“It is the expectation of government that your leadership would not be one that only identifies problems, but also proposes workable solutions.
“The solutions you would propose must be those that would ultimately help the university achieve its goals and promote an atmosphere of peace on campus to enable the smooth running of the university,” he told the council members.
Free SHS products
Dr Prempeh reminded the council members of the task ahead of them as the first batch of the Free SHS students would be seeking tertiary education for the 2020/2021 academic year.
He explained that the success of the Free SHS programme had led to the significant increase of students entering the SHSs.
“Our tertiary institutions must, therefore, expect large numbers to gain admission next year, with implications for hall accommodation, lecture theatres, laboratories and other facilities.
“As a council, I urge you to consider innovative means by which the University of Cape Coast can prepare for this development next year and to be rest assured that as government, we will support you in whichever way we can,” he added.
Responding, Mrs Campell thanked the President through the minister for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would work to justify their nomination to serve the university.