Gov’t Urged to Support Growth of Private Universities
A call has been made for the government to introduce a distinct regulatory framework for private universities in Ghana to enable them to thrive and contribute more effectively to national development.
The call was made by the Dean of Geosciences and Environmental Studies at the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT), Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, when he delivered the guest lecture at the 49th graduation ceremony of Christian Service University (CSU).
Professor Kumi-Boateng argued that private universities face unique operational and financial challenges and should not be governed by regulations largely crafted for public institutions. He noted that private universities have become indispensable in expanding access to tertiary education and easing pressure on public universities.
He therefore appealed to the government to engage stakeholders in the private tertiary education sector to develop policies that support innovation, sustainability, and quality assurance.
“Private universities play a vital role in meeting the increasing demand for higher education, and regulations must be designed to reflect their realities and contributions,” he stated.
A major highlight of the ceremony was an announcement by the Chancellor of Christian Service University, Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Kwaku Asante, that the government has approved the university to award its own certificates to graduates. He described the approval as a landmark achievement that underscores the university’s academic credibility and institutional growth.
Rev. Prof. Asante also challenged graduates to look beyond conventional employment and consider entrepreneurship and innovation as viable career pathways. He encouraged them to use their education to create value, solve societal problems, and lead change within their communities.
Former Minister of Education, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum, also addressed the ceremony, urging graduates to maintain a positive outlook despite prevailing negative political narratives. He cautioned against allowing pessimism to overshadow the progress being made in various sectors of the economy.
“There is real progress taking place, even if it is not always reflected in public discourse,” he said, adding that national development requires unity and shared responsibility, especially in creating opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
Hon. Adutwum highlighted Ghana’s achievement in promoting gender parity at the secondary education level, attributing the success to the Free Senior High School policy. He explained that the policy has removed financial barriers and reduced gender bias in educational access.
“Today, parents are able to educate both boys and girls equally, which is transforming our society,” he noted.
The 49th graduation ceremony of Christian Service University brought together academia, policymakers, and students to celebrate academic success while advancing dialogue on reforms needed to strengthen private higher education in Ghana.
