Partner private varsities to expand enrolment - Prof. Puplampu charges govt
The Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Professor Bill Buenar Puplampu, has called on the government to partner credible private universities as an alternative strategy to achieve the President’s desire to achieve 40 per cent gross enrolment ration in higher education.
He made the submission at the 25th Matriculation ceremony of the university at the Miotso Campus.
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At the event, a total of 1,318 fresh students were admitted to the university.
He further said that even though there was merit in the government’s intention to wean public higher education institutions off subvention, that should be undertaken with due consultation and in a phased manner, being mindful of the implications on the entire ecosystem.
Free credit
Professor Puplampu also advocated the introduction of a fee credit/voucher system as a viable strategy to increase and even out access to higher education by allowing Ghanaian students to take up available slots in private universities.
“With such a system, students can opt for programmes of choice and top-up the fees where necessary. There are far too many over-crowded lecture halls in public universities while similar programme spaces remain available in private institutions,” he stated.
He admonished the students to take advantage of their freedom at the university and take control of their social space by being cautious of negative peer pressure and its consequences on their lives and aspirations.
Advice
The Central University vice-chancellor advised the students to eschew all forms of social vices and academic malpractices since the university would not condone any behaviour that fell foul of its rules and regulations.
He encouraged the freshers to make time to express their appreciation to their parents and sponsors for the investment being made into their lives and reminded them to take their studies seriously since academic progression was not automatic in the university.
He said there was a guidance and counselling centre where students could get counselling and support.
The Assistant Chaplain, Rev. Jean-Carl Ainoo, in a brief sermon, reminded the students to work hard and depend on the grace of God to achieve success in their endeavours.
Quoting from 1 Corinthians 15:9-10, he indicated that the Apostle Paul also discovered that the success of his ministry was due to God’s grace and his hard work.
The Registrar of the university, Mr Emil Afenyo, who administered the matriculation oath, reminded the matriculants that Central University was a Christian university.