Central University Advocates for Government Partnership to Enhance Higher Education Access.

Accra: Central University (CU) recently held its 23rd congregation, emphasizing the need for government collaboration with private universities to broaden access to higher education in Ghana. Professor Bill Buenar Puplampu, Vice Chancellor of CU, urged the government to reconsider its expansionist policy in the public higher education sector, highlighting the potential of credible private institutions to address issues of access and entry requirements.According to Ghana News Agency, during the graduation ceremony held at Christ Temple East, ICGC, La, Accra, Professor Puplampu suggested that private universities, if properly supported, could effectively complement government efforts and conserve resources. He argued against the necessity of large state universities with over 50,000 students, pointing out the available capacity in credible private universities.Professor Puplampu recommended that the government identify and support private universities with strong science and humanities faculties by providi ng resources such as STEM labs, fee vouchers, and faculty development partnerships. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing resources for senior high schools to ensure they produce quality graduates ready for tertiary education.With over 50 universities, technical universities, specialized institutions, and over 100 private universities in the country, Professor Puplampu called for a strategic research-based policy framework to develop a future-ready workforce. He encouraged parents, guardians, and funding agencies to continue investing in higher education, stressing that its benefits far outweigh the costs.The Vice Chancellor also advised the graduating class to visualize their career paths, understand structural politics, define their values, and adhere to moral principles. This year, Central University graduated 1,074 students, including 44 first-class degree recipients. Mr. Graham Goshen Melomey was recognized as the overall best student with a CGPA of 3.93.Established 26 years ago and receiv ing its Presidential Charter eight years ago, Central University has grown from a small student body and two Schools in 1998 to nearly 7,000 students, across three campuses and nine teaching Schools.