Abetifi: The Reverend Dr. Nana Opare Kwakye, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and Chancellor of the Presbyterian University, Ghana (PUG), has made an appeal to the government for enhanced support for private universities. He emphasized that incorporating private universities into national education frameworks would significantly boost their contribution to national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye stated that private universities play a crucial role in complementing the public sector's efforts in human capital development. He suggested that assistance in the form of grants, tax reliefs, infrastructure support, and inclusion in national educational mechanisms would greatly augment their impact.
Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye made these remarks while addressing the 19th Congregation of the PUG in Abetifi, where more than 800 students graduated across various faculties and disciplines. He highlighted the Church's longstanding contribution to national development through its investments in education at all levels.
The Chancellor announced the accreditation of five new programs, including M.Sc. Cyber Security, MBA Human Resource and Development, M.Sc. Organizational Leadership and Management, M.Sc. Strategic Management and Corporate Strategy, and M.Sc. Project Planning and Management. These programs are aimed at enhancing the academic offerings and equipping students with market-relevant skills. Additionally, two new lecture halls and a Skills laboratory for the Midwifery program are set to be commissioned soon.
Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye also praised the University's faculty of Law, noting that approximately 50 alumni have been called to the Ghana Bar in the past three years, showcasing the institution's high academic standards. He urged the graduates to adhere to the University's core values of excellence, integrity, discipline, commitment, and faith in God, emphasizing that education extends beyond mere degree acquisition.
The PCG, since the arrival of Basel Missionaries in 1828, has played a pivotal role in advancing formal education and is credited with establishing over 2000 schools across Ghana, ranging from basic to tertiary institutions.
The recent graduation ceremony saw over 800 students from 12 academic programs receive their degrees, with 119 earning First Class honors, 424 obtaining Second Class Upper, 260 achieving Second Class Lower, and 11 graduating with Third Class in disciplines such as Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Education, BSc International Development, and BSc Computer Engineering, among others.
Professor John Ofosu-Anim, Vice Chancellor of the PUG, emphasized the importance of addressing national challenges in healthcare, governance, technology, and other sectors with unwavering commitment and integrity. He encouraged the graduates to embody the University's core values of Excellence, Commitment, Integrity, Discipline, and Faith in God, urging them to make a meaningful impact in their professional endeavors.