Prof. Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State for Tertiary Education, has recounted that Private Universities in the Country have over the years survived in difficulties and therefore need up-to-speed interventions to survive in the stifled market. He said despite these challenges, Private Institutions continue to offer notable contributions in responding to the growing social demands for education in the country.
The Minister observed this during the 42nd congregation of the Christian Service University College (CSUC) Kumasi, where 452 students including 326-undergraduates, 84-postgraduates and 42-certificate students graduated from the Sciences, Business, Theology and the Social Sciences.
Speaking on his behalf on the theme, Building strong and sustainable Private Institutions, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Professional and Technician Examinations, NABPTEX, Mrs. Sheila Naah-Boamah noted that Private Institutions have operated in complex government policy and regulatory environment that hinders the overall progress in running Private Institutions.
According to the Minister, about 75 Private Universities operate in Ghana. The key challenge is the intense competition amongst them and their counterpart Government Institutions in increasing admission numbers. He added that although the number of Private Institutions in the Country has far outgrown the National Universities, they only control about 20-percent of the market share.
Affirming the statement, the President of the University College, Prof. Sam Afrane hinted that, there was significant decline in the highly competitive students’ intake. Prof Afrane attested to a recent remarks made by Prof. Jophus Anamoah-Mensah, that ‘the total students enrolment share of Private Universities decreased to 24-percent in 2013/2014 and to 14-percent in the 2017/2018 Academic year.’
He indicated that CSUC was facing similar challenges as other private universities, from high cost of funding operations to the rigorous steps in obtaining programme accreditation/affiliations, and that the statistics continue to have serious impact on Private Institutions.
Meanwhile, Prof. Afrane mentioned that CSUC has introduced some reforms to sustain its operations through diversification of revenue sources and to reduce dependence on fee-income to run the Institution. It has therefore established a Centre for Research and Business Development, to lead the cause through consultancy works, research and the promotion of short courses.
He also indicated that the University College wishes to start 5 nurtured programmes in MSc. Corporate Planning, BSc. Physician Assistant Studies, BEd. Early Childhood Education, BEd. Basic Education and Midwifery in January 2019. This is expected to serve the diverse university applicants in the country.
Mr. Dennis Atta Gyamfi was adjudged the ‘Overall Best Student’ during the Graduation Ceremony held on December 15, 2018.
