Accra: The Methodist University Ghana is forming a partnership with the Methodist Church Ghana to establish an Institute of Wesleyan Theological Studies. The Institute is set to offer certificate and postgraduate programs aimed at the clergy and church members.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor William Baah-Boateng, the Vice-Chancellor of Methodist University Ghana, announced the initiative during the university's 23rd Congregation held in Accra. The event, themed 'Opening a New Chapter Beyond the Silver Jubilee Milestone,' also marked the graduation of 900 students, including 269 Master's Degrees, 564 Bachelor's Degrees, and 12 Diplomas.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that a designated location at the Dansoman campus has been suggested to house the new institute. The decision came after the first meeting between the university management and a team from the Church Conference Office, led by The Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Immediate Past Presiding Bishop. Follow-up meetings are planned to finalize the establishment process, with a target launch in 2026.
Professor Baah-Boateng also disclosed that the university is in the final stages of accreditation for several new programs. These include M.Ed and M.Phil in Educational Leadership and Administration, M.Ed and M.Phil in Educational Assessment and Evaluation, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, BSc Computer Science, BSc Midwifery, and a Doctor of Counselling Psychology. The university aims to modernize its facilities, providing at least one smart lecture room on each campus, and is seeking sponsorships for this purpose.
Infrastructure development plans include constructing additional lecture halls at the Wenchi Nursing Campus, improving student facilities across campuses, and completing the Administration Block's final floor at the Dansoman Campus. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of the Church's partnership in these efforts to support the university's growth and sustainability.
The university aims to grow its student body to 10,000 within four years by reviewing existing programs and introducing new ones that align with market demands. One notable initiative is a Foundation Program for Senior High School students who need to improve their WASSCE grades to qualify for tertiary education. Approved by the Academic Board, this program is set to commence in January 2026.
Professor Baah-Boateng expressed optimism that these initiatives would enhance the university's academic portfolio and attract more students. He also appealed to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to expedite accreditation for the pending BSc Computer Science and Doctor of Counselling Psychology programs, which have faced delays.