The President of Presbyterian University College, Ghana (PUCG), Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, has expressed concerns over what he perceives as a deliberate effort by public universities to undermine private universities in Ghana. He urged the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) to reinstate certain regulations that previously checked the activities of public universities.
Speaking at PUCG’s 12th Congregation on the theme “Graduate Deployment: The Nexus of Higher Education and the Job Market,” Rev. Prof. Adow Obeng called on the Government, NCTE, Minister of State for Tertiary Education, and the National Accreditation Board (NAB) to enforce fair student-lecturer ratios in admissions across universities.
Concerns About Public Universities
He lamented the situation where public universities, despite receiving government subventions and infrastructure support from GETFund, continue to admit increasing numbers of fee-paying students—leaving private universities struggling to enroll sufficient numbers each academic year.
According to him, the rapid expansion of public universities through distance education, satellite campuses, weekend, evening, and sandwich programs, in addition to mentoring private institutions, has placed private universities at a severe disadvantage.
Rev. Prof. Adow Obeng highlighted several challenges faced by private universities, including insufficient funding, low student enrollment, lack of infrastructure, difficulties in hiring and retaining experienced faculty, poor research output, and limited logistical support. He warned that many private institutions risk closure, as they struggle to generate enough revenue to sustain their operations. Some have already resorted to laying off staff, halting infrastructure projects, delaying salary payments, and cutting research funding.
Proposed Solutions
The PUCG President suggested that collaborations and partnerships among faith-based private universities could help strengthen the private university sector. Joint efforts in staffing, research, academic programs, and mentorship could reduce costs and enhance the quality of education.
He also emphasized the need for private universities to develop unique training programs that bridge gaps between academia and industry. “Each private university should carve a niche for itself in the training of students,” he stated.
KNUST Student Unrest
Addressing the recent student protests at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Rev. Prof. Adow Obeng attributed the unrest partly to overcrowding and overstretched facilities in public universities. He advocated for enrollment restrictions in public institutions to give private universities room to thrive.
He acknowledged that student protests are not unusual but urged students to exercise their right to protest peacefully and within university regulations. At the same time, he cautioned against the misuse of social media to incite violence, warning students not to be influenced by politicians, alumni, or external groups with personal agendas.
Call for Dialogue
Rev. Prof. Adow Obeng stressed the importance of effective engagement between university leadership and students to prevent conflicts. He urged university administrators to listen to student concerns, encourage their participation in decision-making, and create a culture that prioritizes student welfare
