Operation of Methodist University still on ?drawing board?

The Chairperson of the proposed Methodist University, Professor Florence Dolphyne, has denied a recent news report that it is scheduled to open in October.

Speaking at a fund-raising dinner in aid of the university at Cape Coast during which the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church raised more than seven million cedis Prof. Dolphyne, a former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, explained that the university is still going through an accreditation process and that no date has been fixed for it to operate.

She said even though the National Accreditation Board had inspected facilities, including lecture halls, computer room and library, for the university set up on the premises of Wesley Grammar School in Accra, it was yet to assess the qualifications of the academic staff before it would be allowed to operate. She mentioned other preparations being made for the smooth take-off of the university, which will initially be affiliated, to the University of Ghana,

Prof. Dolphyne said it would be a multi-campus university to offer a two-phase Program. The first phase program, to be located at the Accra campus, would offer courses in Business Administration and Social Studies. The second phase would be based at its proposed site in Kumasi where technical and vocational courses would be offered. In addition, Prof. Dolphyne said compulsory courses in ethics, behavioral and religious studies would be run for all students. She urged all members of the Church to contribute towards the establishment and running of the university.

Prof. Dolphyne also called on the various circuits to institute a scholarship scheme for the youth to enable them to gain access to tertiary education. The Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Percy Ashun, commended the church for its contribution to educational development and expressed the hope that the university would provide the needed middle-level manpower to facilitate the socio-economic development of the country.