By: Mercy Nimo
The Vice Chancellor of Central University, Professor Bill Puplampu, has announced a notable increase in student admissions, which he attributes to the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) education policy in Ghana. He emphasized that any review of the policy should focus on enhancing the quality of education, ensuring that every student continues to benefit from this invaluable opportunity without exclusion.
In his address during the 28th Matriculation of Central University at the Miotso campus in the Greater Accra Region, Professor Bill Puplampu said the free SHS is good, it is yielding fruits and is evidence by the increasing number of people who are accessing second cycle secondary education.
“A lot of institutions are having stronger admission numbers, there is talk of a review largely because there is pressure on facilities, teachers and the state therefore, the talk about the review of the free SHS policy is in order however it must not cut back on the policy and possibly a reduction of the number who are accessing secondary education “ he said.
THE REVIEW OF FREE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL POLICY
Professor Bill Puplampu stressed that the review of the free SHS policy should improve the stock of secondary and post secondary schools. He said it should provide a platform for improving the content of curriculum to reflect global realities, African history and identity, ethical soundness, proper moral values and practical application of science.
“The review should facilitate the improvement of teaching quality and better care for those who teach in secondary schools especially those who take on the job of teaching at places others do not want to go”
“A review of free SHS policy should also lead to the standardization of Junior and Secondary facilities across the country and the elimination of so called less endowed grade B or C schools ”
“We all pay taxes and therefore irrespective of where we live in this country our children must have access to good senior high school education “ he added.
He also stated that, the review should include the development of a robust means-testing system and a clear framework allowing parents to opt out if they believe they have the financial capacity to support their children’s education, thereby ensuring they do not place an unnecessary burden on the state’s free education system.
FEE VOUCHER SYSTEM
Professor Puplampu also called for the establishment of a Fee voucher system for both state and privately owned institutions where there is a centralized fee system to handle both state and private institutions to have an intentional blend enabling them complement each other to balance students enrollments.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that university education is costly, which is why Central University is committed to ensuring that every degree program meets three key objectives to support graduates in transitioning to the workforce. Furthermore, the university aims to equip students with the skills to pursue successful careers, achieve economic well-being, and emerge as ethical, transformational agents and responsible global citizens.
He said Central University exists to also support the nation in the attainment of its human capital agenda and enable graduates to make significant contributions to church, state and community.
These thoughts, Professor Bill Puplampu said drives Central University’s programs, governance and management.
He also highlighted that Central University offers MBA programs and is currently constructing facilities to launch a fully-fledged medical school and university hospital.
TO THE STUDENTS
Professor Bill Puplampu mentioned that University life can be stimulating and interesting hence students must take control of their social space, be guarded, avoid peer pressure, pay proper attention to their personal security, avoid walking late nights, and avoid taking alcohol, smoking, occultism, indecent dressing and improper sexual behavior and also stay away from unnecessary joy rides and obscure places as some people have died as a consequence of that.
He encouraged the students to practice proper grooming and exhibit responsible behaviors.
“You will be removed from the University if you engage in any unacceptable behaviors and conducts “ He impressed, urging the new students to adhere to academic rules and avoid exam malpractice as it would results in serious consequences.
The Professor nevertheless, admonished the law students not to portray themselves as lawyers until they are called to the bar. To make the most out of the University, Professor Puplampu impressed on the students to make the best use of the facilities on campus and as well, consult the appropriate authorities for assistance and redress of their challenges and concerns.
“The matriculation oaths you have taken means you contract to abide by the university’s codes and all the demands of studentship that are placed on you and you also contract therefore to be of good behavior to use the university’s systems and process all the issues relating to studentship through the university. You also contract by coming here that, you will be of good behavior, respect the university’s rules, pay your fees on time, devote yourself to your study, educate your mind, soul and spirit” He emphasized.
Central University is an initiative of International Central Gospel church founded in 1998, the focus is to provide instruction in the applied Social Sciences, Business and Applied Sciences aiming at whole persons development, main streaming through chapel services and other related activities including extra curricular events.
Central University delivers its mandates from three campuses: Christ Temple, Miotso and the Kumasi campus. The aim is to instill in students the principles of Faith, Integrity and Excellence.
For 2024/2025 academic year, the University has admitted a total of 2,784 local and international students to pursue 25 active undergraduate programs and 20 active graduate programs.
