The University of Ghana (UG) is putting in place transformational measures to ensure an enhanced output of its products, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor said on Friday. He admitted that the University had accepted various complaints by the private sector regarding the unsatisfactory output of its products over the past few years and was therefore implementing various measures to improve upon the performances of its graduates.
Prof Aryeetey, who was addressing a media launch of the University’s 65th Anniversary celebrations in Accra, said it was important that the private sector was informed about some of the improved activities of the institution so that they would appreciate the efforts and possibly assist when the need arose.
He said the University intendeds to lay emphasis on its research and publications through conferences and workshops, showcasing its capabilities to the world for more support and appreciation.
Prof Aryeetey said it was important that the institution showcased some of its achievements over the past years during the celebrations to convince its beneficiaries of the hard work being done by the management to ensure quality university education.
According to Prof Aryeetey, the University had embarked on reforms such as the restructuring of all programmes of the University not only to meet international standards and attract more international students, but also to make courses responsive to current trends were on-going to ensure high output of graduates.
He also mentioned the introduction of the new PHD programmes, involving the decentralization of University’s programmes and that a number of graduate programmes in the Department of Modern Languages and French and the School of Public Health and Allied Health Sciences had recently been reviewed.
He mentioned the introduction of CCTV cameras in all examination halls as part of measures to halt examination malpractices, introduction of internet connection in all halls of residences as major steps to boost the use of ICT in teaching and learning, enhanced library system and improved water supply for students as some achievements.
He said the authorities had also shifted attention to expanded programmes in research as a major target of the institution’s reform strategy and called for technical and financial support to make research paramount in university education in Ghana.
The Vice Chancellor said massive infrastructural development had been carried out over the past years, while the University with a loan of 2.5 million dollars had purchased new equipment for the science laboratories of the various faculties.
Prof Aryeetey said in spite of the various work done there was still more to be completed, citing the University’s stadium still under construction which would need an additional 23 million Ghana Cedis to complete and called for support from all sides.
He also mentioned plans to construct an ultramodern diagnostic University Hospital to serve not only its community but all Ghanaians, and called for the support of corporate institutions to make the dream a reality.
He said there would be a further increase in the collaboration between Management and students and also improved catering services for students to ensure smooth academic work.
He explained an Anniversary Planning Committee, chaired by Prof Yaa Ntiamoah-Baidu has been constituted to oversee to the activities outlined for the year-long celebrations.
Prof Ntiamoah-Baidu gave an outline of some of the programmes which officially starts with a candlelight procession, a float through some principal streets of Accra, individual faculty research presentations, anniversary lectures and colloquiums.
There would also be hall week celebrations, an Alumni home coming, outreach programmes, medical screening, a grand durbar , fund-raising dinner dance and an inter-faith thanksgiving service to climax the celebrations.
