Rev. Mante, Moderator for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana was speaking at the 43 rd
Graduation Ceremony of the Christian Service University College held on December, 14,
2019, on the theme: Higher Education and National: Development Maximizing the
Role of Private Universities in Ghana.
The Renowned Minister appealed to the government to channel more attention to the
varied needs of Private Universities, most especially, the stiff competition for student
enrolment into private schools which was causing huge burden on the operational
management of private Tertiary Institutions in the Country.
Prof. Mante was hopeful that, the first products of the Government’s free Senior High School (SHS) Initiative’ would produce a greater
number of students to enroll in private Universities in 2020 since the Public Universities alone cannot absorb the huge numbers of
SHS graduates given the limited infrastructure and resources needed for their training in the Tertiary.
He however applauded the government for using this initiative as a major channel to solve the many challenges of Private Institutions
in the Country but asked for more interventions, quoting his words “Government’s best-best, for the future of young people in this
country is to actively support tertiary Institution,” that would promote private participation in National development. He also
admonished Regulatory Authorities to ensure that Private Tertiary establishments operate with prioritized motives and requisite
standards to attract positive attention from Government.
In his final remark, Prof. Mante, a proud Alumnus of CSUC, cautioned the Graduating class to ‘say no to corruption,’ as they enter
into the Labour market, but aspire to exhibit integrity, excellence and the Lordship of Christ which are the core deeds of their
Alma mater .
Graduation Statistics
A total of 548 students graduated comprising of 70 postgraduates and 461 Undergraduate students from the Faculties of Humanities,
Health and Applied Sciences and the School of Business with 86.4% receiving 1st and 2nd Class Honours. The number also included
students who were awarded Certificates in Biblical Studies and School of Ministry programmes.
Challenges
Delivering his Academic year report, the President of the University College, Prof. Samuel Kofi Afrane, expatiated on the many
challenges of the College, from high cost of funding operations to the rigorous processes involved in obtaining a University Charter,
programme affiliations and the huge decline in students’ enrolment which continues to have serious impact on Private Institutions.
On admissions statistics in particular, the President indicated that the constant decline in students’ enrolment in the past few years
has had serious implications on the finances of the University College. He affirmed that, the University College could only admit 568
students out of 900 students targeted for the 2019/2020 Academic year. He further clearly stated that admissions issues has become
a national canker faced by most private universities in general and therefore requires national policy response that will maximize
impacts from Private Universities towards national development.
New Programmes
Prof. Afrane indicated that the University College was successful to start two academic programmes in Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
and Physician Assistant Studies during the year under review, and was hopeful to introduce 3 additional programmes in 2020. The
Programmes include Teacher Education at the MPhill Levels in English, Mathematics and Social Studies Education, and also, Masters
and MPhil programmes in Communication Studies. The President explained that the University College is on the move to initiate
affiliation and accreditation process of the new programmes. The programmes are projected to serve as upgrade to especially diverse
university graduates in the country with such fields or expertise.
Valedictorian
Overall Best Student for the 2019 graduating
class went to Mr. Job Addae, a BBA Marketing
Student with a total grade points (GPA) of 3.86
while Miss Suraya Alidu was adjudged the ‘Best
Communication Student with a total grade point
of 3.61
Furthermore, 17 Past Members of Trustee and Members of Council were honoured for their
commitment and unique service to the University College since its inception. In attendance of
the 43 rd Congregation held on the University College Campus were Representatives of mentoring
Universities, Vice Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Faculty and staff including Current
and former Council members of the University College.
